TCM Scholarshpis

The Twin Cities Marathon is giving out a couple of college scholarships this year. Will these be the most beautiful urban scholarships in the country? All signs point to 'yes'. Press release below.

Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. partners with RBC foundation-USA to offer $5,000 college scholarships

Annual scholarship to be awarded to one female and one male Minnesota high school student athlete

(Minneapolis, MN) –RBC Foundation-USA has joined Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. to offer two $5,000 college scholarships to area high school seniors with a passion for running, a dedication to academics and a commitment to their community.

The scholarships are available for one male and one female college-bound high school senior living in the eleven county metro-area. The application process is open through March 1 and applications are online at mtcmarathon.org. Recipients will be selected on academic achievements, community service, running accomplishments (in either cross-country or track) as well as a personal essay. The funds can be used to attend a public or private institution.

"This year, RBC Foundation, USA has partnered with Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. in an effort to help promote kids helping kids in the community," said RBC – USA Foundation President Martha Baumbach. "Local elementary schools kids are busy running throughout the school year, with an overall goal to run 5,000 miles. RBC Foundation will match a dollar per mile, with $2,500 dedicated to the scholarship program, and $2,500 to the school that runs and logs the most miles throughout the school year."

This year’s scholarship recipients will be notified in May. McKenzie Melander from Eastview High School, in Apple Valley, and Pieter Gagnon from Washburn High School, in Minneapolis, were the 2008 winners. Melander, who attends University of Iowa, and Gagnon, who attends University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, were selected from more than 100 top track and cross-country runners who also excelled academically and within their communities.

"We are very fortunate to have the chance to partner with organizations who share our passion for promoting healthy lifestyles for young people in Minnesota," said Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. executive director Virginia Brophy Achman. "We hope that this scholarship offers student athletes further opportunities to continue to pursue their passion for the sport of running throughout their collegiate years."

For more information, and an application, visit mtcmarathon.org/Partners/Scholarships.cfm.