Mikkelson Foundation Student Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Mikkelson Foundation

Description
**Purpose**
The Mikkelson Foundation Scholarship is an annual award that supports promising students pursuing STEM fields at accredited colleges and universities. It targets applicants who demonstrate strong aptitude in mathematics and science and who intend to major in engineering, the physical or biological sciences, or mathematics. Selection favors candidates with the potential for significant achievement after graduation and a demonstrated record of academic excellence.

Key takeaways:
- Annual scholarship for high-achieving STEM students.
- Focus on majors: engineering, physical/biological sciences, or mathematics.
- Emphasizes demonstrated ability in math and science and future potential.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Applicants must be graduating high school in 2026 from Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, or New Mexico and must plan to begin undergraduate study in fall 2026 at an accredited four-year college or university. The scholarship is intended for students majoring in engineering, mathematics, or the natural sciences. Minimum academic thresholds apply: an unweighted GPA of at least 3.7 and either a cumulative SAT score of 1200 or a composite ACT score of 28.

Key takeaways:
- Must graduate high school in 2026 from CO, WY, MT, ID, or NM.
- Must begin full-time study at an accredited four-year college in fall 2026.
- Minimum GPA 3.7; SAT ≥ 1200 or ACT ≥ 28.
- Intended majors: engineering, mathematics, natural sciences.

Award Value and Renewal
**Amount and renewal conditions**
For 2026, the Foundation will award five scholarships of $5,000 each. Awards are renewable annually for up to four years, contingent on the recipient remaining in good academic standing at their college or university and continuing in an eligible field of study. Renewal is not automatic; recipients must maintain the standards set by the Foundation.

Key takeaways:
- Five awards of $5,000 each in 2026.
- Renewable up to four years if academic and program requirements are met.
- Renewal depends on continued good standing and field of study.

Application Components
**Required materials**
A complete application package must include: an official high school transcript, copies of national standardized test scores if not on the transcript, three references (from teachers, counselors, employers, or activities directors), a completed application form, and an original personal essay. References must be submitted in time to meet the Foundation’s April deadline.

Key takeaways:
- Required: official transcript, test scores (if needed), 3 references, application form, original essay.
- References may be teachers, counselors, employers, or activities directors.
- All documents must arrive by the Foundation’s April deadline.

Application Process and Timeline
**Deadlines and selection**
The selection process begins the morning of April 11, so the application deadline is absolute and earlier submission is strongly advised. Start your essay and request recommendations well in advance to allow time for thoughtful letters and revisions. The Foundation recommends compiling and reviewing the complete package before mailing to avoid missing elements.

Key takeaways:
- Deadline is absolute; selection begins April 11.
- Start essays and request references early.
- Verify the entire package is complete before mailing.

Submission and Mailing Instructions
**How to deliver your application**
All applications must be mailed to The Mikkelson Foundation, P.O. Box 768, Monument, CO 80132-0768. The Foundation cannot accept deliveries to physical addresses—overnight carriers do not deliver to P.O. boxes—so do not attempt alternate delivery methods. Extra supporting materials may be attached, but the review committee will not search for missing items.

Key takeaways:
- Mail to: The Mikkelson Foundation, P.O. Box 768, Monument, CO 80132-0768.
- Do not use overnight carriers or non‑PO box delivery methods.
- Attachments allowed, but committee won’t hunt for missing information.

Recommendations and Essay Tips
**Best practices**
Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic performance, character, and potential in STEM; give them ample time and polite reminders. Invest time in an original, well‑structured personal essay—start early and revise—since the essay is a central evaluation element. Complete every field on the application form and put the most pertinent information clearly on the form itself.

Key takeaways:
- Select recommenders who know you and your accomplishments.
- Start the essay early and allow time for revision.
- Complete the entire application form and highlight key information.

History of the Award
**Background**
The Mikkelson Foundation Scholarship was created to support students from the Mountain West who demonstrate exceptional promise in mathematics and the sciences. The award aims to foster future leaders in STEM by providing financial support and recognition during undergraduate study. Its focus remains on enabling continued achievement and contribution in science, mathematics, and engineering fields.

Key takeaways:
- Established to support STEM talent in the Mountain West.
- Emphasizes long-term achievement and contribution in math and science.
- Provides financial support and recognition to promising students.