Who We Are
Central Lakes College Foundation is a registered, non-profit organization committed to helping Central Lakes College maintain its high academic standing and enhancing the educational life of its students. In 1968, the foundation was established as an independent entity to solicit, receive, and administer gifts, grants, and bequests on behalf of the college. The foundation is governed by a volunteer board of community leaders who make all the financial decisions in regards to managing and accepting donations.
We believe in the value of an education and the opportunities knowledge brings. Our goal is to be a major force in providing opportunities for students to improve their lives through higher education, employment, personal living, and better quality of life. We strive to increase resources, raise funds, and nourish students of promise who with determination and perseverance transform their lives through education.
Make a Gift
Scholarships and Program Funds
When you make a gift to our scholarship and program funds, you make a difference in the life of our students. Donate to the CLC Foundation
Central Lakes College Food Pantry
We are proud that our CLC Food Pantry distributed approximately 17,000 lbs. of food last year. Sadly, the need continues to exceed our ability to keep up. You can make a difference in the life of our students by donating to the CLC Food Pantry. Your gift is 100% tax deductible and every dollar matters! Donate to the CLC Food Pantry
Apply for Scholarships
Scholarships
Thanks to the support and generosity of individuals, companies, and organizations, Central Lakes College Foundation awards approximately $375,000 in scholarships to deserving and qualified students each academic year. Scholarships are available to assist with tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses.
Donors Profiles
We salute and celebrate our donors and their gifts to CLC Foundation. Please read the profiles of any one or all of these donors to learn of the gifts they have so generously made and why. They may have established a scholarship in honor of a family member, invested in a new academic initiative, or returned something of what they feel they received at CLC. You will be impressed and inspired by their stories! Visit https://clcmn.academicworks.com/donors.
Eligibility
Scholarship awards are not limited to class valedictorians and star athletes. They are awarded based on a variety of criteria. Some of the major areas of consideration are pursued program or degree, financial need, community service, and leadership experience.
To be considered for CLC Foundation’s scholarships:
- Be currently accepted into a CLC Program of Study as an undergraduate student
- Register for a minimum of 6 credits at Central Lakes College
- Recommend (not required) to Complete the FAFSA online(Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Submit general scholarship application each semester (fall and spring)
Application Opens:
Spring Semester 2025 – October 1, 2025
Fall Semester 2026 – May 1, 2026
Application Deadlines:
Spring Semester 2025 – November 1, 2025
Fall Semester 2026 – June 1, 2026
How to Apply
Apply online for CLC Foundation’s scholarships:
- Log in to https://clcmn.academicworks.comwith your StarID username and password
- Fill out the simple, secure general scholarship application
- You may be eligible for additional awards by answering a few supplemental questions
- A confirmation email will be sent once your application has been submitted
- Continue to check for new scholarship opportunities using the database system
Scholarship Listing
Browse our constantly updated list of merit- and need-based scholarships at https://clcmn.academicworks.com.
External Scholarships
Many outside professional associations and service organizations offer scholarships to deserving students. Applying for external scholarships can be time-consuming but because of the wide variety of available awards many diligent applicants are successful in securing some funding. In order to be successful, start your search as early as possible and search often. Do not pay for any financial aid, scholarship applications, or search services; all scholarship applications are free. Check out these Scholarship Resources and Tips for valuable information on applying for external scholarships.
Browse our External Scholarship List which provides direct links to outside scholarship websites.
Board of Directors
The Central Lakes College Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors made up of distinguished business and community leaders who represent the social and economic makeup of the central Minnesota community. This volunteer board directs the activities of the foundation and ensures its funds are being used to support the foundation’s mission.
Barbara Anderson, Secretary, Joint Commission
Jim Benson, Past Chair, Sourcewell
Jennifer Bergman, Minnesota Housing
Mike Bjerkness, BLEADC
Brad Chapulis, President, City of Baxter
Hara Charlier, Ex-officio President, Central Lakes College
Beth Gruber, Mille Lacs Corporate, Ventures
Nathan Hamilton, Essentia Health
Katie Heppner, Central Lakes College
Robb Kolodziej, Central Lakes College
John Ohlin, Deerwood Bank
Matt Sundquist, Graphic Packaging
Steve Wenzel, Central Lakes College
Lisa Wigand, Treasurer Retired-Bremer Bank
Amy Matter-Hines, Staff, Central Lakes College
Seeking Applicants
The Central Lakes College Foundation is currently seeking applicants for its Board of Directors. Participation in the board enables members to gain valuable experience in governance, actively participate in the community, and be a part of a committed team. As members of the Central Lakes College Foundation, individuals demonstrate a commitment to the support and advancement of the college, its students, and staff. Such a commitment requires time, energy, skills and financial support of the member. For more information, please contact foundation@clcmn.edu or 218-855-8129.
Emergency Assistance
Central Lakes College Random Act of Kindness Program
Are you experiencing a financial emergency?
Central Lakes College may be able to help. Random Acts of Kindness funding is accessible to enrolled students at Central Lakes College. This program is designed to help with unforeseen financial challenges.
Alumni
Tell Us Your Story
The impact of private support can be seen throughout the Brainerd and Staples campuses, the local communities, and beyond. If you are a donor or the beneficiary of a scholarship, you are part of this legacy. To share why you chose to give or how private support has influenced your life, we invite you to Tell Us Your Story.