Clair Nelson Vocational Scholarships : Education and Training Scholarships for Residents of School District 381

The Clair Nelson Vocational Scholarship Fund was created in honor of the late Clair Nelson. Mr. Nelson served in the U.S. Marine Corps, managed his own trucking business and was a founding board member of the North Shore Trade & Tech Project. He is probably most often remembered by area residents in his role as a commissioner of the Lake County Board, a position he held for nine years. Clair Nelson was a lifelong advocate for education and an energetic supporter of the vocational and technical trades.

The Clair Nelson Vocational Scholarship Fund was originally part of the North Shore Trade and Tech Project.

The Value and Importance of Vocational/Technical Education

In July, 2009 the President’s Council of Economic Advisers released their report “Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow.” The report stated that occupations that require either a 2 year associate degree and/or a postsecondary vocational certificate will actually outpace occupations requiring a 4 year bachelors degree over the next decade. The importance and value of attaining a vocational and/or technical degree has never been greater than it is today. The Clair Nelson Vocational Scholarship Fund is designed to help you receive the training that would open the doors to those jobs. Possibilities include:

• paramedic
• business management
• LPN
• law enforcement
• power line technician
• IT specialist
• cosmetology
• therapeutic massage
• culinary arts
• industrial electronics
• heavy equipment operations

The Application Process
Clair Nelson Vocational Scholarships offer financial assistance to high school seniors and adult residents of School District 381. Applicants must be interested in pursuing a career in a vocational or technical field. Vocational career fields are usually considered to be those that require two years or less of postsecondary education or training. Four scholarships of $250 each will be awarded annually. Applications are accepted January 1st to March 1st of each year. Applications can be obtained through the guidance offices at the high schools in Two Harbors and Silver Bay, Two Harbors and Silver Bay Service Centers, and are also available here.

Contributing to the Clair Nelson Fund
We need your help in order to continue providing this scholarship to the community. Tax deductible donations to the Clair Nelson Scholarship Fund are always appreciated. Checks can be sent (payable to the Friends of the Finland Community memo Clair Nelson Scholarship Fund) to:

Friends of the Finland Community
PO Box 582
Finland, MN 55603