Question 1

What is the difference between a Barry Scholar and an Inspire.Lead.Share Scholar?

Accepted Answer

When you apply for the Barry Scholarship Program, you are automatically eligible for both scholarships.

Both scholarships provide a cohort experience with a renewable, up to four-year award. As part of the Barry Scholarship Program community, you will be included in educational and professional development opportunities.

A Barry Scholarship is up to $5,000 per year, for up to four years at an accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States. It includes a work requirement, a commitment to connect with the cohort and The Barry Foundation, and an Inspire.Lead.Share Pledge.

The Inspire.Lead.Share (ILS) Scholarship is up to $2,500 per year, up to four years at an accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States. It does not include a work requirement but requires recipients to fulfill an annual Inspire.Lead.Share Pledge and build connections within the Barry Scholarship Program Cohort.

Question 2

Why should I apply?

Accepted Answer

The Barry Scholarship Program is far more than just financial support. It’s a cohort experience that involves a one-on-one touchpoint with TBF Staff, Scholarship Workshops twice a year, Barry Scholar Seminars with local university presidents, and various learning/engagement opportunities. Our goal is to provide you with the resources, skills, and support to help you thrive in college and beyond.

Renewable 2- or 4-year scholarship valued up to $20,000
The Scholarship covers: tuition & fees, on-campus room and board, and books purchased through the college/university

Question 3

Who is able to apply for the Barry Scholarship Program?

Accepted Answer

Active members in PaY that are seniors in high school with plans of attending college the following school year. It does not matter how many years you've been in PaY.
Those in good academic standing, though this is not a scholarship program based around a certain GPA.
Students that are able to share about their experiences in PaY - how they have shaped you, what impact PaY has made on you, and the impact you've made on your community through PaY.

Question 4

What is the application timeline and process?

Accepted Answer

Applications are accepted between December 1st and February 1st at noon.

The application is filled out online through the Barry Portal and takes between 3-5 hours to complete.

Interviews are conducted in early March.

Scholarship recipients are announced in mid-April.

Question 5

What materials will be needed to complete my application?

Accepted Answer

Resume
Cover letter
2 letters of recommendation - one of which is from your PaY Advisor
Short essay questions

Question 6

If I don't become a Barry Scholar, what other scholarships or scholar programs are available?

Accepted Answer

All seniors and applicants for the Barry Scholarship Program are invited to be a part of an active alumni program Philanthropy: Forward.

When you apply for the Barry Scholarship Program, you are automatically eligible for the Inspire.Lead.Share Scholarship. This scholarship is $2,500 per year for up to four years at an accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States.

There are additional scholarship opportunities available through the Forward program once you are in college.

Question 7

Which colleges/universities are match partners with the Barry Scholarship?

Accepted Answer

The University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, and Minnesota State University Moorhead support our scholarship program through a 1:1 match. The match program details are unique to each university.

Question 8

How can TBF Staff be helpful during the application process?

Accepted Answer

Programming staff is available during business hours. Please feel free to reach out via email, programs@barryfoundation.org, or telephone, 701.356.7820 or 701.356.7800.

Question 9

Can I use AI to assist with my application?

Accepted Answer

If AI or ChatGPT was used in an application, it must be cited appropriately and reflective of an individual's thoughts/words.

Scholarship

A Special Message FROM MSUM President Tim Downs

Scholarship

Apply to Be a Scholar

PHILANTHROPY FORWARD

2026-2027 Important Dates:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Barry Scholar and an Inspire.Lead.Share Scholar?

Why should I apply?

Who is able to apply for the Barry Scholarship Program?

What is the application timeline and process?

What materials will be needed to complete my application?

If I don't become a Barry Scholar, what other scholarships or scholar programs are available?

Which colleges/universities are match partners with the Barry Scholarship?

How can TBF Staff be helpful during the application process?

Can I use AI to assist with my application?

CURRENT SCHOLARS

Meet Our Scholars

Lauren Sturlaugson

2018 Scholar

Sadiyo Hasaan

2018 Scholar

Samuel Carlson

2020 Scholar

Hannah Papenfuss

2017 Scholar

Haison Ngyuen

2019 Scholar

Alice Carlson

2021 Scholar

Upcoming Workshops for Applicants