Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program

On May 3, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) notified the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) of the elimination of the 2011-12 Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program (Byrd) due to budget cuts in federal funding. As a result, no new awards for the 2011-12 academic year will be made for this program.  
The MDE is waiting for guidance from USED on how to proceed with students who are current recipients of the Byrd Program. Updates will be provided as soon as they are available.

Description and Eligibility

The federal Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship provides renewable scholarships to high school seniors with outstanding academic achievement who are nominated by high school principals.

The number of awards made each year is based on the federal funds allocated for the program. Students apply directly through their high school.

Award Amounts

Up to $1,500 per year.

Application and Contact Information

In Minnesota, the Department of Education distributes applications to all Minnesota high schools, charter schools, GED programs and area Learning Centers in January. Recipients are selected by the end of the high school year.

Residents of other states are encouraged to contact the agency that coordinates this program in their home state.