Youth Volunteer Scholarships

Saint Therese recognizes the dedication and compassion of teenage volunteers through annual Youth Volunteer Scholarships. The program awards scholarships to high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to volunteer service and intergenerational connections.

Key Details

• Award Amount: $2,000 per recipient
• Recipient Type: High school seniors
• Geographic Scope: Minnesota and surrounding states (applicants from 16 high schools across three states in recent year)
• Focus Areas: Youth volunteerism, intergenerational connections, service to older adults, community service

Eligibility

• Must be a high school senior
• Must have demonstrated significant volunteer work, particularly with older adults or senior communities
• Competitive selection based on essay submissions

Selection Process

• Selection Method: Essay competition
• Judging: Independent volunteer judging committee
• Recent Award Recipients (2025):
  • Nichole Bertini (Hill Murray High School) - Healthcare/nursing focus
  • Eliza Kubicek (East Ridge High School) - Technology service
  • Amy Nguyen (Osseo High School) - Community engagement

Application Process

Submission Requirements:

• Format: Essay submission
• Content: Personal narrative describing volunteer experience, impact of service, and connection to older adults or community

Essay Topics (examples from recent cycle):

• "Hand in Hand: The Mutually Beneficial Impacts of Volunteering"
• "Healing in More Ways Than One"
• Personal reflections on intergenerational connections and volunteer service

Selection Criteria:

• Quality and depth of essay
• Demonstrated commitment to volunteer service
• Impact of volunteer work on recipients and community
• Reflection on lessons learned through volunteerism

Timeline (based on 2025 cycle):

• Essay submissions accepted throughout academic year
• Awards celebrated at receptions in late May
• Recent competition drew 23 essay submissions from 16 high schools