Create a Scholarship

Interested in starting a scholarship fund?

Setting up a scholarship through the WSU Foundation helps empower students to obtain a college education without added financial stress. You’ll help deliver the best education and experience possible for our incredibly talented students.

Also, establishing a scholarship in a person’s name is a meaningful way to honor those who have had a major impact on your life. 

If you’re considering creating a new scholarship at WSU, here are the basic steps to get started.

Determine the Type of Scholarship Fund

The first step is to determine whether you would like to establish an endowed, hybrid or an annual scholarship.

Choose Scholarship Name & Establish Scholarship Criteria

As a scholarship donor, you choose the name of the scholarship as well as the criteria. The Advancement staff can help you select the criteria for your scholarship.

Scholarships at WSU are usually awarded to deserving students based on criteria such as: 

  • area of interest
  • geographical origin
  • leadership potential
  • merit
  • financial need
  • academic achievement

You can combine these criteria or develop some of your own. However, the WSU Foundation must agree to any special award conditions you wish to establish.

Award Scholarship Funds

Typically, a selection committee reviews the scholarship applications submitted by students and chooses the most deserving recipient(s) based on the donor-established criteria.

Major contributors to a scholarship fund are notified annually when the scholarship recipient(s) are selected. You will be informed of the name and hometown of the recipient, as well as the amount of the award.

Contact the Foundation Office
WSU Foundation
Somsen Hall 204

PO Box 5838
Winona, MN 55987

507.457.5020

Email the Foundation Office
Jen Jonsgaard
Foundation Scholarship Coordinator

507.457.5198

Email Jen Jonsgaard