On Wednesday afternoon last week, the North Dakota State Fair Foundation had 19 graduates from the 2021 graduating class gathered to receive $46,000 in scholarships.

Hess Corporation ponied up $40,000 for graduating seniors, who are current members of 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Thank you to both groups for recognizing these fine young men and women.

No matter where you stand on the debate on college costs, education loans, and the like, prohibitive costs of going on to a secondary education are real for some.

Simply put, how do you pay for college?

The good news for future graduates, groups like Hess Corporation, the North Dakota State Fair and other private organizations have scholarships.

More importantly, there are non-profit organizations like the Minot Area Community Foundation who have your back.

If you’re not interested in showing at the State Fair or being part of the FFA and you want to continue to college, there is likely a scholarship out there for you and your interests. Finding it is the challenge.

Don’t get discouraged. Talk to your guidance counselors, talk to your college financial aid department.

When it comes to helping the future and keeping it bright – there are plenty of resources willing to help with scholarships and grants.

That generosity was on display last week and is a cornerstone of our community.