The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship is a federal program that provides scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.

About 120 awards are equitably distributed across Minnesota's eight congressional districts. Awards can be renewed for up to three years upon request depending on continued eligibility and federal funding, and are not competitive.

Who Is Eligible?

Initial applicants must be high school seniors who are residents of Minnesota. Resident seniors attending high schools outside the state are also eligible if they have the principal's endorsement.

How is the Award Determined?

High school seniors are nominated by their principals. The Minnesota Department of Education administers the award and accepts one nomination per high school (two if the graduating class is larger than 350).

How Much Money Can You Get?

The renewable scholarships are for $1,500, but the award amount can change depending on the level of federal funding. Recipients may attend any accredited postsecondary institution in the United States.

What Is the Application Process?

The Minnesota Department of Education distributes application/nomination information to all Minnesota high schools, charter schools (public and private), GED programs and Area Learning Centers in January. Students should contact their principal or counselor for application forms. A Minnesota resident high school senior attending a high school outside Minnesota may self nominate if he or she has the endorsement of the high school principal.

The nomination deadline is early March. Students are notified before the end of their high school senior year.

For more information, contact:

Sarah K. Smith
Tel: (651) 582-8629
E-mail: Sarah.K.Smith@state.mn.us

Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113
Web: education.state.mn.us