Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce

Career Investment Scholarships are given annually to graduating seniors in the Saint Paul/East Metro area. From homelessness to learning English as a high school student, the majority of our scholarship recipients face enormous challenges on their path to college. Most are low-income, minority students and many are the first in their family to pursue higher education - but all of them have enormous potential to succeed. With your investment, we offer the hope of a brighter future.

Applications are now available for 2012 Career Investment Scholarships. Click here to view a PDF of the application. Students are encouraged to submit typed essay answers but may submit a handwritten application form. Postmark deadline is February 17, 2012.

Recipients must be:

• Graduating high school seniors attending public, charter or private schools that are members of the chamber and are located in Ramsey or Washington counties (Listing of eligible schools)
• Enrolling in an accredited Minnesota post-secondary institution

Congratulations to the Class of 2011! This year, the Foundation awarded scholarships to 37 students totaling $37,000.

Success Stories*

Lisa’s Story

Lisa was the recipient of a HealthEast Care System Career Investment Scholarship. Lisa was ranked 24 out of 449 students in her graduating class and was enrolled in the rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum. Her goals included becoming a pediatrician and raising awareness about health issues in inner city communities. Lisa served on the youth board of both the Walker Art Center and the Loft Literary Center and was a student athlete involved in both tennis and track.

Lisa achieved all this despite facing enormous challenges at home. She is the product of a bicultural marriage that floundered during her high school years. As her parents were enraged in bitter conflict prior to separation and divorce, Lisa shouldered much of the household responsibility for her five younger siblings, one of whom was paralyzed in a car accident a decade earlier. At the same time, she also endured a great deal of abuse at the hands of her enraged and frustrated father. Undaunted, this experience only increased her drive to succeed she has continued to pursue her goals with renewed energy.

Her high school English teacher wrote to us that, “There is no question that Lisa has a strong will to succeed. I have seen it nearly every day that she has entered my classroom. Her talent, determination and confidence lead me to predict a very bright future for her and I highly recommend her without reservations for any school, scholarship, program or employment she deems worthy of her pursuit.”

Lisa is currently enrolled at Carleton College.

Christine’s Story

Christine was the recipient of a Saint Paul Port Authority Community Re-Investment Scholarship. Christine was ranked in the top 10 percent of her graduating class, participated in Admission Possible, an extra-curricular college preparatory program and volunteered as a Big Sister. Christine emigrated from Cameroon during her freshman year of high school.

Christine’s father brought her family to America with hopes for a brighter future for his daughters, with access to quality education the top priority. Although education in the United States is very different than Cameroon, Christine took on the challenge to enroll in the most rigorous classes offered.

Her Admission Possible coach wrote, “It has been exciting and inspiring to witness Christine’s transformation throughout her junior, and now senior year. Still a recent immigrant to the United States, her progress is truly remarkable. As she continues to discover her own potential, voice, and passions she will continue to grow into an amazing young woman.”

Christine is currently pursuing her dreams at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals featured.

How can my business contribute to a Career Investment Scholarship?
Be a sponsor at the “Named Donor” level for a Career Investment Scholarship bearing your business or an individuals name. The minimum investment for one scholarship is $1,250 but we have awarded scholarships for as much as $5,000 to $10,000 to one student at the donor's request.

I can't afford a full scholarship. Can I still contribute?
Yes, you can! Contributions beginning at as little as $10 can be directed towards our Career Investment Scholarship program. Visit the donations page on our website to contribute online through a secure website.

Want to learn more? Call the Chamber office at 651.223.5000 to speak directly with a staff representative.

The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation is a 501(c) (3) and your donation is entirely tax deductible. Please give generously. Your donation towards a Career Investment Scholarship will change a young person's life.