Minnesota Vikings teams up with University of North Dakota for unique scholarship program

Deserving students interested in pursuing a degree at a regional leader in higher education have a unique opportunity through a new partnership between The University of North Dakota and the Vikings to receive a $10,000 “Vikings + UND Scholarship.”

The scholarship is available for an incoming freshman in 2012 and the scholarship winner will be selected from applicants based on their high school GPA and standardized test scores, as well as a 1,000-word personal statement highlighting their career goals, achievements, overcoming adversity and what the opportunity to study at UND would mean to their future. Applications will be accepted at Vikings.com/UND beginning August 1, 2011. The scholarship winner and family will be in attendance for the January 1, 2012, Vikings game vs. Chicago and the scholarship will be awarded during pre-game activities at Mall of America Field.

“We have such a strong fan base that overlaps with alumni, friends and prospective students of The University of North Dakota,” said Steve LaCroix, Vikings Vice President of Sales and Marketing/Chief Marketing Officer. “The impact that UND graduates have had on the quality of life in Vikings country and worldwide is remarkable. We wanted to help another great student fulfill their dreams of learning at UND and we hope this scholarship will give them a big head start on their career goals.”

“We are honored that the Vikings are sponsoring a scholarship at The University of North Dakota,” Robert O. Kelley, President of The University of North Dakota. “This is a great opportunity for a future UND student. In these difficult economic times, scholarships play a significant role in getting a college education. Therefore, we applaud the Vikings organization for being so committed to promoting the value of higher education. We are confident that UND will provide this scholarship recipient with a tremendous foundation and many opportunities for a bright future.”

Courtesy: Jon Ekstrom/Minnesota Vikings