The Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund is a volunteer organization made up of community members from a wide variety of backgrounds. They all have one thing in common: they are passionately committed to the idea of assisting local high school graduates with the increasing cost of higher education.
Want to learn more? Check out our FAQ:
Who makes up the Community Scholarship Fund?
A board of directors oversees the fundraising efforts. Community members and school representatives are members of the board. The Fund is a 501(c)3 organization meaning all donations are tax deductible. The Fund has no fiscal relationship with the Mitchell School District or Mitchell Christian School.
Who manages the money?
Funds are held and managed by the Mitchell Community Scholarship board of directors. 100% of money raised is dedicated to scholarship awards.
How is money raised?
All money is raised through fundraising campaigns and special events (Radiothon, etc). Today, the fund assets are in excess of $830,000.
Who is eligible for scholarships?
Any graduating senior from MHS or MCHS can submit an application for scholarship funds. The student must attend a post-secondary institution in order to receive the money. Awards will be made directly to the institution. The student must provide proof of enrollment before the award is distributed.
How do students apply?
The application is available electronically (on-line). Assistance is available from each school’s guidance counselors.
Who selects the winners?
All seniors who go on to higher education are automatically eligible after submitting a completed application form.
Who gets a scholarship?
Every student who applies receives an award. Awards for 2023 graduates were $700 and $650 each.
How does the Scholarship Fund get its money?
The major fundraiser for MCSF is the annual Radiothon. We depend on it and the community to make this happen each year. Without the donations, we can't continue to make our goal every year of providing a scholarship to every one of our graduates. The 2023 Radiothon raised more than $64,000.
Who matches a scholarship?
Students who attend Mitchell Technical College and Dakota Wesleyan University will receive matching dollars for their scholarships.
Can I use a credit card or donate online?
Yes. Visit www.mitchellcommunityscholarship.com. Click on the DONATE button to make a contribution with a major credit card or with your PayPal account. It’s safe and easy!
How many scholarships have been distributed?
Through 2023 the fund has awarded 3,141 scholarships since 2002. Total dollar amount of the awards is $1,305,000.
Our mission is simple.
The fund was created and is maintained to provide scholarships for every graduating student in Mitchell who wishes to continue education beyond high school. The fund will assist Mitchell’s graduating seniors attain their goals of continuing educational opportunities.
Meet our Board of Directors.
Sheryl Plagmann, President
Linda Deinert, Vice-President
Mary Ann Lulewicz, Secretary
Marla Smith, Treasurer
Julie Brookbank
Trish Delaney
Josh Gillen
Theresa Kriese
Skyler Mickelson
Marc Bernard, Major Gifts
Ex Officio:
Deb Olson, Mitchell School Board
Dr. Joe Childs, Interim Superintendent
Kimberly Max, Mitchell High School
Char Speidel, Mitchell Christian School
