Eleven colleges or universities now offer programs that meet the qualifications set by the Consortium's Scholarship Committee. Included are Anoka Ramsey Community College, Bemidji State University, Fond du Lac Community College, Itasca Community College, Macalester College, St. Cloud State University, St. Mary's University of Minnesota, St. Thomas University, University of Minnesota-Mankato, University of Minnesota-Duluth, and the University of Minnesota. Each institution is responsible for selecting qualifying students to receive the scholarship grants.

The Scholarship Committee solicits participation from colleges and universities in each year in February with awards to the institutions provided by May. Each college or university is responsible for setting student criteria, choosing students, and disbursement policies. Students must however, meet the minimum criteria set forth by the Consortium's Scholarship Committee.

Student recipients of each year's awards are recognized at the Consortium's annual conference held during the fall of each year

Currently the Consortium provides dedicated funds for the grants. The dedicated funds are supplemented by sales of the Consortium shirts and hats, which are always available to purchase. Information regarding the items may be obtained on the

Consortium web page 'Funding the Scholarship Fund' or by contacting Banette Kritzky at 651-602-7905 or banette.kritzky@mn.usda.gov. Shirts and hats will be available at the spring workshops and the annual fall conference.

The Consortium is also looking to supplement the scholarship funds through corporate and individual sponsorship. Sponsors will be acknowledged during the scholarship recognition event at our fall conference. To obtain more information regarding donations or sponsorship, contact Banette Kritzky at 651-602-7905 or at banette.kritzky@mn.usda.gov. All donations will be tax deductible.