John D. Weis Memorial Scholarship

Losing a parent or legal guardian can abruptly change the budget a family expected to use for college. The John D. Weis Memorial Scholarship was established in 2025 by family and friends to support postsecondary opportunities for North Dakota students who have lost one or more legal parents or guardians. The fund’s background explains its purpose, but eligibility follows the published rules and is not automatic solely because of a loss.

Applicants must be legal residents of North Dakota and either graduate from a state high-school program—public, private, homeschool, or GED—or be enrolled in an accredited postsecondary college, university, or trade program. Preference goes to students pursuing business, finance, accounting, or a professional trade. The page allows students to apply in each year of enrollment and lists variable awards of at least $1,000 and up to $20,000, depending on applicants and available funds.

The foundation lists an application window from January 1 through April 1. Eligible students can prepare proof of residency and enrollment, academic records, and any documents requested by the portal; do not send sensitive information through unofficial channels. Support is not automatic renewal: students must apply and be selected again each year. Before including the award in a college budget, ask the financial-aid office how it is counted alongside Pell Grant, institutional scholarships, and other aid.

To estimate the real cost, ask the school for a written calculation separating tuition, fees, housing, and expenses the award does not cover. Confirm whether aid can renew and what academic progress it requires. Keep the award letter and verify when funds will be applied to the student account.

Official program information and application