The Community Achievement Scholarship (CAS) is open to first-generation college-bound students from ethnically and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds who live in Fargo-Moorhead or the surrounding area and have the desire to achieve a four-year degree.

CAS Students by the Numbers

25 scholars selected from 116 applications since 2018

80% have graduated or are still enrolled at Concordia

Average recipient high school GPA: 3.67

Ideal Candidates

Preference is given to students who demonstrate:

  • a commitment to cultural diversity
  • strong academic achievement
  • leadership and/or community involvement
  • financial need
  • excellent potential to succeed at the college level

Why Apply?

  • Covers tuition, housing, and meal plan; renewable for up to four years — full scholarship details
  • Receive professional support and mentoring within the program
  • Participate in summer leadership preparation sessions
  • Join a community of students of similar interests and experiences

Application Process

  1. Apply for admission and be accepted to Concordia.
  2. Complete the online scholarship application, including a video submission (3-5 minutes in length).
  3. File your FAFSA for 2023-24 and exhibit financial need. Concordia's FAFSA code: 002346

Timeline

Deadline for Submission Scholarship Interviews Recipients Announced
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 Mid-March 2023 Early April 2023

Sofia Perez '22 on the Community Achievement Scholarship

As a Community Achievement Scholar, coming to Concordia was a huge opportunity. Also being able to live in the dorms is an incredible opportunity because it gives me the college experience I didn't think I would have, and it's all thanks to this scholarship.

CAS FAQs

No. You do not need to make your college decision before applying for the Community Achievement Scholarship.

We will use data from your FAFSA form to determine financial aid eligibility. 

You can use any device from your phone to a webcam to a camera. We will not be judging video quality, but rather the content you provide and how you answer the prompt.

 

The best options are to either upload it to YouTube as an unlisted video or upload it to Google Drive. Tip: Make sure that your permissions are set so the scholarship committee can access it.

 

No. Scholarship decisions will be made based on the student’s video submission and interview.

 

You can choose any major to receive this scholarship!

Your parents or immediate family members have not completed a four-year college degree program.

Contact

Katie R. Demuth

Assistant Director of Admission; Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program Coordinator Admission