The second year of a scholarship fund for graduating seniors connected to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation is now taking applications. The FBIR Scholarship Fund will award multiple annual scholarships at $1,000 each thanks to donations by local businesses and individuals. Beaver Creek, LLC, a locally owned business in New Town, started the fund in spring 2020 to give back to its community and make a difference in the future of MHA Nation. Minot Area Community Foundation, a North Dakota not-for-profit corporation, manages the endowment fund to make the scholarships perpetual. Donors can contribute in increments of $1,000 or create a legacy fund for $25,000. With each donation, the donor plays an active role in selecting criteria on how the scholarship will be awarded, reviewing the applications, and in selecting the recipient.

Eligible students must either live within the boundaries of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation or be an enrolled members of MHA Nation during their senior years of high school. Scholarships will be used for formalized education purposes only and need to be used within two years of receiving the award.

More information about the scholarships can be found at www.fbirscholarships.org. For 2021 eligible, graduating seniors there are three different scholarships available for $1,000 each, for a total of $3,000 scheduled to be awarded this year. Applications must be completed through the website by June 20, and scholarships will be awarded by June 30 each year.