What is the Annexstad Family Foundation?
The Foundation was established by Al and Cathy Annexstad and their family to provide financial support for higher education to deserving students who have matured through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Minnesota.

What does the scholarship provide?
The amount of the scholarship will be based upon the individual financial circumstances of the student and the availability of resources from the Annexstad Family Foundation Scholarship. By combining student aid resources available from the Annexstad Family Foundation, federal, state, and University sources, the program’s goal is to assure funds for tuition, fees, room, board, and books are provided. Assuming the continued good standing and annual demonstrated financial need of the student, the scholarship will be renewed annually throughout the standard period required to obtain a bachelor’s degree at the University.

Who is eligible?
A successful candidate will be a student who has shown outstanding performance in high school, with special emphasis placed on academic achievement, character, and qualities of leadership, while demonstrating significant financial need. The student must have matured as a “Little” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Minnesota and be accepted for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University.

How will the selection be made?
The University will determine the recipient from the list of candidates who have applied and been accepted based upon University guidelines and who also meet the conditions of the scholarship as outlined.

How does one apply?
Interested students should apply during the fall of their senior year of high school. Contact the Executive Director of the local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter to begin the scholarship application process. Please visit the Southwest Minnesota State University website (www.SouthwestMSU.edu) for specific information on how to apply to SMSU, including an application for admission. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after the applicable federal tax return is completed and as soon as possible after January 1. The FAFSA form is available online (www.fafsa.ed.gov), from your high school guidance office or from your Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter. The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will notify applicants if any additional documents or information is required.

When will the recipient be named?
First, successful candidates for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University will be notified. Upon completion of the financial aid process, students will then be notified of their eligibility for the Annexstad Family Foundation Scholarship in their financial aid award notice from the University.