The Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools has received a new endowment named the The Boyd-Estall Endowment. This endowment will fund the Boyd-Estall Family LGBTQ+ and Allies Scholarship set up to grant two $1,000 scholarships each year to graduating high school seniors who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies.
In creating this endowment, John Estall stated, “My wife, Shirley, and I have lived in Eden Prairie for 35 years. We have raised our two children here and they received an impressive start in life, including a great education from the Eden Prairie Schools. As a family, we have been very fortunate, and we would like to give back to the community so others may also reach their full potential.”
In its inaugural year, two Eden Prairie High School seniors who identify as LGBTQ+ or as an ally will be awarded $1,000 each for post-secondary education.
Are You a Good Potential Applicant?
This scholarship is awarded to two graduating Eden Prairie High School seniors who:
- self-identify as being a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally to the LGBTQ+ community;
- completes the EPHS Multi-Scholarship Application through EPHS’s online SCOIR system;
- submits a 500 to 1,000 word essay on how this scholarship would help them continue their (i) education after high school and (ii) involvement/support of the LGBTQ+ community. If the applicant identified as an ally, the essay must also identify the applicants involvement and support of the LGBTQ+ community to date;
- submit one or more teacher recommendations and, if the applicant is an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, the applicant must also submit a letter of recommendation that supports the applicant’s involvement and support of the LGBTQ+ community to date.
Scholarship Use: The scholarship must be used for an accredited post-secondary school/training program including, but not limited to, a two or four year college degree or a program for licensed trades.
Award Amount: $1,000 per academic year, to two students each year.
How to Apply:
The application process will take place through Eden Prairie High School’s Multi-Scholarship Application process. Applications are open December through February. A committee will choose the recipient and the scholarship will be awarded at the EPHS Senior Community Scholarship Awards night on May 19th.
Step 1: Get a letter of recommendation from a teacher. This scholarship requires a letter of recommendation. Letters of recommendation currently in SCOIR will be used. If you do not have a letter of recommendation in SCOIR, one must be uploaded by a teacher or emailed to Ms. McNamara Elizabeth_mcnamara@edenpr.k12.mn.us by February 6, 2023 at 3pm.
Step 2: Complete the Multi-Scholarship application through EPHS’s online SCOIR system. The application form can be found in your My Drive in the student SCOIR portal. The application form is available from December 19 through February 6,2023.
Current & Past Recipients:
- 2022 Katherine Kregness
- 2022 Julia Nelson
