Scholarship Program

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) MN/ND Chapter is a non-profit organization committed to fostering leadership, advancing professionalism, and building respect and credibility for solid waste management in Minnesota and North Dakota and a broader SWANA Community.

The organization has been able to provide scholarships to those that wish to further their education. Donations made at our annual conference and at other times throughout the year make this scholarship fund possible.

Awards will be announced at our Annual RAM/SWANA Conference. Applications must be postmarked or received by March 31st, and can be emailed to:

Scholarship Committee at director@swanamn.org.
Questions can be sent to director@swanamn.org.

Qualification Requirements:

1. Applications must be postmarked or received by March 31st. Late applications will not be considered.

2. The applicant must submit a completed scholarship application form for review.

3. The applicant must provide, with the application form, two letters of recommendation(not from relatives).

4. The applicant must provide a cover letter stating how his/her education or experiences (past or future) are related to solid waste, recycling, the environment or a related field.

5. The applicant must provide a copy of their high school transcript or college transcript (if currently enrolled at a college).

6. The applicant must provide proof of the education that the scholarship will be used for, such as tuition statements, acceptance letters, bills, etc.

7. The SWANA Scholarship Committee may require an educational progress report.

8. Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school, college, or a similar program to be eligible to apply.

With available funding, up to three $1000.00 scholarships will be awarded each year to the applicants scoring the highest based on a predetermined scoring matrix. Scoring categories include, but are not limited to, fields of study, location of institution or training (with a preference for Minnesota and North Dakota institutions), involvement in extracurricular activities, work history, GPA, and letters of reference.