King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Scholarship

Our Mission

The mission of the Sons of Norway Foundation is to celebrate Nordic culture and heritage through scholarships and grants to our members and communities.

Overview

King Olav V of Norway gave his permission to the Sons of Norway Foundation to use his name in establishing a fund to be known as the “King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Fund.” Its purpose is to fund activities in which the American and Norwegian heritages are explored, studied and shared by qualified scholarship recipients.

Award Amount

The monetary award for this scholarship is up to $5,000

Eligibility

• Deadline – Submission of the completed application and all required elements is January 15th • Country of Study – United States or Norway • Age – 17 or older • College Credit Needed – None • Proof of Enrollment – Required; American undergraduate or graduate students must provide proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Norway or a Scandinavian Studies program in the United States. Norwegian undergraduate or graduate students must provide proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution in the United States • Level of Study – Undergraduate, Graduate • Field of Study – Scandinavian Studies in the United States or a program in Norway • SON Membership Requirement – None • Length of Award – 1 year • Applicant Citizenship – United States • Other – American applicants must have a keen and sincere interest in Norwegian heritage and Norwegian applicants must have a demonstrated interest in American heritage *Note – The Sons of Norway Foundation does not provide financial assistance for current or previous academic years room & board, travel, etc.

Criteria

• A short autobiography, 150 words or less. • An essay of 500 words or less addressing each of the following key points: » Explain why you have chosen your area of study and what you hope to achieve through your career. » Share any involvement in volunteer, school and/or community activities and what that involvement has taught you. » State how your program/course of study or future plans align with at least one of the following core values of the Foundation:

1. Building Nordic culture and heritage for the future
2. Committing to life-long learning and service
3. Demonstrating compassion for our members in need
4. Sustaining the link to contemporary Norway
5. Fostering a community of generosity » Explain how this scholarship will help you further the study of your heritage at your chosen institution. » State how you will share this experience with the Sons of Norway or wider Norwegian-American audiences. • Academic potential: Upload your latest completed term’s transcripts. Please note, “official” transcripts may be required once an applicant is tentatively selected. • Financial need: Be prepared to include the amount you are able to pay for post-secondary education/training in the online application. • Letters of Recommendation: » Two letters of recommendation that address your character and abilities