Grants and Scholarships
Live Your Dream Grant and Minnesota North College LPN Scholarship
Live your Dream
SI Virginia is proud to be part of SIA’s Live Your Dream grant program, providing women, heads of households who are returning to school to improve their economic empowerment with a strings-free grant. Women may use the funds provided for whatever they deem necessary, as we understand that women know what they and their families need. Each year, at least one area woman receives a $1,000 grant from SI Virginia and is entered to receive higher grants in regional and national competitions. Thanks to the support of our communities through our fundraisers, last year we were able to award an additional $500 grant and we will continue to expand our grant program as we are able.
Our 2025 grant opportunity is open now through November 15th. Apply below or, please, help a woman you know do so. Often, recipients confess they almost didn’t apply as their plates are already so full with work, children and school.
LiveYourDream.org is a movement fiercely dedicated to ensuring every woman and girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential, be free from violence, and live her dreams.
2025 Grant Recipients
Jill Shelhon of Gilbert, Minnesota, is 33 years of age, a single mother of 2 toddlers ages 6 and 5. Jill was in an abusive relationship with her first husband. She had two children taken from her due to an unstable environment and they are currently being raised by another family member. Jill’s second husband was again abusive. She had two children with him; when her husband shot a gun in the house she decided it was time to leave and save her and her family. One of her children is Autistic and the other has speech complications. Both are in trauma therapy. Jill is currently attending Minnesota North College where she has earned her general AA degree. She is continuing her education in Early Childhood Family Education and will complete her studies in May of 2025. She hopes to open her own childcare facility.
Abigail Berg, of St Paul, Minnesota, is 28 years of age with three children ages 6, 4,and 2. She is receiving a small amount in child support but otherwise she is the primary financial provider for her family. Abigail has received her High School Diploma and is currently attending Minnesota North College going for her associates in business development. Her goal is to start a nonprofit that will benefit low income families, or individuals to cover one of their basic needs of housing, food, and water. Abigail fled an abusive relationship with her children. She struggled to find a home, necessities, as well as a job and childcare. It took almost a year, then she lost her job due to her children getting ill and having to leave work or not go into work due to their illness. This struggle has led her to the path of pursuing a degree and trying to help others who are struggling as she did.
“Brittney Larsen, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, is 32 years old with a young child under the age of one and does not receive child support. Brittney is currently working 32 hours a week and attending Bemidji State University. She has completed her bachelor’s in psychology and now finishing her internship classes for the addictions certificate to become a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. Brittney hopes to graduate in June of 2025. Brittney is a recovering heroin addict and has been in recovery for 9 years. Her goal is to become a licensed drug and alcohol counselor and to open up sober houses. Brittney found out about this grant while searching the internet.”
LPN MNC Scholarship
SI Virginia recognizes the importance of licensed practical nurses here on the Iron Range. Because of this knowledge, SI Virginia established a scholarship for a second year, female LPN student who has maintained a 3.0 grade point average. As of 2024, SI Virginia has contributed $25,000 toward the education of # nursing students!
SCHOLARSHIP FOR FALL 2025 OPEN NOW!! CLICK LINK HERE TO APPLY!
Past Winners
2024-25 Soroptimist Scholarship was unable to be awarded.
Wendy Sanchez, the 2023-24 Soroptimist Scholarship recipient: “I grew up in a small town in Southern MN. I have five brothers and one sister. It was stressful growing up with a lot of siblings, especially being the second oldest in the family…I've learned a lot from growing up in a big family.
<A time that made a big impact on my decision to help others is> when a resident was actively passing and his daughter lived a few hours away, so she had to make the drive. I know he didn't want to be alone so in my own time I went in and sat him till the daughter arrived. I sat with him for 4 hours. I knew he would appreciate it and when the daughter got there she told me how much she appreciated me staying with him till she got there. I would have to say everything I do for my residents is for them.
As of right now I am proud of almost finishing my first semester of nursing school. It’s been hard, I have had my mental breakdowns, but I made it through. I have had my doubts about coming into this program but I have people that are helping me push through and that believe in me. <Receiving this award reinforces that!>
Laura Larrivy, 2022-2023 Soroptimist Scholarship winner: “Thank you for choosing me for the Soroptimist Scholarship Award of $1,000. I am appreciative, as this award alleviates some of the financial burdens and stress of affording college. This allows me to shift my focus more towards my education. Again, thank you so much for choosing me as a recipient, I am incredibly grateful, and it will not be taken for granted or wasted.”
Banurekha Sukumaran, 2021-2022 Soroptimist Scholarship winner: “My future education goals is to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and volunteer or set up a organization for people of less advantage and less income because I myself was once in that position. And this scholarship will help me cut my hours a little bit and stay home with my children and save me on child care. My biggest goal is to graduate from the Practical Nursing Diploma with <the> best grades, it is very difficult to work so many hours and study at the same time. I would be interested to continue my education all the way to Master’s in Nursing. So my education goal does not stop here, and I am an example to my children to continue my education and be successful in my education. And I have always looked forward to studying and getting my classes, even while there are financial circumstances, I am always ready to face the battle and would not give up my dream. Thank you!”