Fergus Falls AAUW Opens 2025 Scholarship Applications for College-Bound Women

The Fergus Falls branch of the American Association of University Women has opened its 2026 scholarship application period, offering financial support to women in Otter Tail County who are graduating from high school or pursuing career changes. Applications must be completed online by 7:00 p.m. central on Sunday, March 15, 2026, and winners will be notified by March 29 and invited to the branch banquet on April 20, 2026.

The AAUW emphasizes broad criteria in choosing recipients, evaluating the “whole person” rather than relying on grades alone. General factors for consideration include leadership, dedication to lifelong learning, the essay, life experiences, extracurricular activities and the required applicant appraisal form. The organization states, “The objectives of AAUW are to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.”

Applicants may apply regardless of age, but must live in communities served by the Fergus Falls branch; applicants should check the branch website under the scholarships section or contact an area school counselor for the list of eligible communities and application access. “Only one application needs to be submitted to be considered for all available scholarships,” AAUW notes, and the recommendation or appraisal form must be completed by a guidance/career counselor, advisor, mentor, instructor or work supervisor. “NOTE: recommendation/appraisal forms should not be completed by a relative.”

Historically, the Fergus Falls AAUW describes typical awards as two general $2,000 scholarships plus a $2,000 Georgia Nagatomo Dieseth scholarship for a woman who has shown interest in the arts. The branch’s announcement also documents a variation in 2025: three young women were honored at an April 28 banquet and received $1,500 scholarships that year. Local readers should be aware of that discrepancy and verify current-year award amounts with the AAUW branch if exact award figures matter for planning.

Funding for AAUW scholarships is supported in part by the branch’s biennial Tour of Homes fundraiser; the next Tour is scheduled for fall 2027. The AAUW program joins a busy local scholarship ecosystem: Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars is accepting applications through Feb. 28, 2026, and school listings highlight other opportunities with deadlines through April, including scholarships targeted to healthcare, music, agriculture, golf and civic involvement.

For prospective applicants in Otter Tail County, the immediate steps are clear: complete the online application and secure a non-relative recommendation by the March 15, 7:00 p.m. central deadline. Winners will be announced March 29 and invited to the April 20 banquet. For exact eligibility by community, award amounts for 2026 and the online application link, contact the Fergus Falls AAUW through the scholarships section of its website or speak with your school counselor.