Scholarship Application & Information
The Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) is pleased to announce its 2026 Scholarship Program, which will award up to five $2,000 scholarships to Minnesota high school juniors. The program is designed to increase student awareness of township government and its role in serving local communities.
Students currently enrolled in 11th grade and attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial school, or participating in an approved home-study program, are eligible to apply. New for 2026: applicants must also reside in a township. As part of the application process, students will submit a written essay responding to a township-focused question related to roads, infrastructure, and the role of county road engineers.
2026 Essay Topic:
Townships depend on safe and efficient roads for residents, farmers, businesses, and emergency services, and county road engineers play a vital role in helping many townships achieve this goal.
What are the various ways in which townships work with and depend on county road engineers? Why are county engineers crucial for township road systems and community needs? Additionally, what steps can schools, local governments, and communities take to encourage more students to pursue careers in civil engineering and public works, especially in rural Minnesota?
Applications will be available in January 2026.
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?
Scholarship winners were selected and awarded in September 2025 and are listed on this page.
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. New in 2026: applicants must also reside in a township. Lastly, the applicant 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 2026 and will be invited to attend the MAT Annual Conference in December. 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.
