By Katelyn Flatness
Riverland Academic Advisor

The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship is an exciting new scholarship program that offers college scholarship opportunities to qualifying Austin High School and Pacelli High School graduates as an investment into Austin’s youth and its future. 

Katelyn Flatness, Riverland Academic Advisor

The creation of The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship program was intended as a way to reinvest and strengthen the Austin community by making college education more obtainable.  The scholarship program assures every qualifying senior graduating from Austin High or Pacelli High the opportunity to attend Riverland Community College for up to two years at little or no cost to them.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet certain requirements, including academic goals and volunteer service in the community.  Graduates from the class of 2019 needed to complete 12.5 hours, the class of 2020 will complete 25 hours, and the classes of 2021 and beyond will need to complete 50 hours.  The Hormel Foundation and the high schools are encouraging students to begin volunteering and serving the community throughout their high school career.

The scholarship amount varies for each student. It will pay for 100 percent of the student’s tuition and fees that are not funded by Federal and/or Minnesota State grants or other scholarship funds. The scholarship will pay for up to 65 college credits towards an approved program of study at Riverland.  In addition, students will receive a one-time stipend of up to $1,000 for required course materials and books.

Students may pursue programs offered at any of Riverland Community College’s campus located in Austin, Albert Lea or Owatonna.

The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship program began with Austin’s 2019 graduates.  During the fall semester, 131 students from the class of 2019 received scholarship funding through The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship program.

This amazing program, which is already making a difference in the lives of our students, is only possible through the support of The Hormel Foundation.