Scholarship Application & Information
Five total scholarships of $2000 each to be awarded!
The Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) is proud to offer a township scholarship program for high school Juniors in the state of Minnesota. Up to Five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded.
The Minnesota Association of Townships is a nonprofit corporation representing Minnesota townships while promoting an understanding of the heritage, future and being a voice for its roughly 9,000 officers. It regularly conducts research and educational programs designed to foster efficient and economical town governmental services and acts as a liaison between township officers and other local government officials to encourage sustained cooperation.
The Minnesota Association of Townships Scholarship Program is designed to heighten awareness among young people about Minnesota’s Grassroots Township government. The program encourages every high school in the state of Minnesota to offer this opportunity for Juniors to participate in this scholarship program.
2025 Essay Topic:
Fire protection is an important part of public safety that is provided by all townships all across Minnesota. There are different ways that fire protection can be provided.
What are the different ways fire protection is provided by townships? How is the cost of fire protection funded by a township and at what meeting is the extent of the cost approved? What challenges are faced by rural fire departments in providing fire protection?
Check the next tab, "Eligibility & Requirements," for how to enter.
Past Essay Topics:
• Throughout its history the United States has adopted policies which took advantage of major technological advances that led to prosperity as a nation. In the 19th century it was the development of canals and a national railroad system. In the 20th century it was rural electrification and the national highway system. In the 20th century it was rural electrification and the national highway system. Today, high speed broadband Internet access is as vital as phones, electricity, and roads. Those without this access, particularly people in rural areas, are left stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide. Describe ways in which broadband Internet access improves the lives of rural residents. What challenges exist in providing broadband Internet in rural areas? And what policies should governments at all levels, (federal, state, and local) adopt to ensure that regardless of geographic location all Americans have equal access to broad band Internet?
• Representation of people and ideas is the hallmark of government in the United States. No level of government is as close to its constituents as the township. Today’s townships face several challenges, including decreasing populations, annexation pressures from cities, declining interest in public service, growing demands from constituents, and a distrust of government. Considering these challenges, what do you see as the future role of townships in local government?
• The Minnesota Association of Townships has the responsibility to promote public understanding of the heritage and future of Township Government and its role in the State and Federal systems. What are some ways that MAT could promote awareness of township government and inspire township residents and Boards to become involved?
ELIGIBILITY
All students currently enrolled in the 11th grade and attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial high school or a home study program and who plan to further their education at a college, university, or vocational school are eligible for this program. Student cannot be the child, stepchild, grandchild or step-grandchild, brother, stepbrother, sister or stepsister of a MAT director or staff member.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• An application form
• A written essay, using critical thinking discussing this year's topic
• A current high school transcript
• A letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or counselor
Note: All items must be submitted in one envelope and mailed to:
Minnesota Association of Townships Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 267
St. Michael, MN 55376
Must be postmarked by June 1. Incomplete applications or applications postmarked after June 1 will not be accepted.
ESSAY REQUIREMENTS
• Must be between 450-500 words
• Typed with double spacing
• Use critical thinking discussing this year's topic
• Do not name yourself, school, town/city, or local officials in the essay
Each essay will be judged by an independent panel based upon:
• Originality
• Knowledge of subject matter in relationship to the title
• Supporting statements
• Correct spelling and punctuation
Winners will be notified in writing in September 2025 and will be invited to attend the MAT annual conference in December in St. Cloud, MN. Scholarship awards will be paid to the appropriate financial aid office upon receipt of verification of enrollment at a college, university, or technical school.
To help students with the essay question, here are some helpful tips:
• Visit and utilize our website: http://www.mntownships.org/
• Ask a township officer
• If you do research on the web or in your local library, be sure to look for "Minnesota (or MN) townships" so you are finding relevant information.
• Video (Coming Soon)
