Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation
Overview
Boreal Waters provides more than $800,000 in scholarships each year to students from northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Funded by generous donors, these awards support learners at every stage—helping them pursue further education, expand opportunities, and contribute to their communities. Use our search tool to find scholarships that align with your background, interests, and location.
Most scholarships are accessed through our universal application, which opens in December 2025 and closes on February 24, 2026.
Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund
This fund commemorates Riley Burnell by offering a college scholarship to a student from Koochiching County pursuing a career in criminal justice. Riley was born in 1988 in International Falls and aspired to be a police officer from a young age. He completed studies at Rainy River Community College, Bemidji State University, and Alexandria Technical College, and served part-time with the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office and the International Falls Police Department.
Eligibility
- Must reside in Koochiching County. Eligible high schools include Indus High School, Falls High School, Littlefork-Big Falls High School, Northome Secondary High School, and the Adult Learning Center ISD 361.
- Demonstrated financial need is required.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Plans to pursue a field related to law enforcement or criminal justice (examples: Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Conservation Officer, Border Patrol, or other justice-related careers).
- Evidence of good citizenship and participation in community activities is required.
Award
- $2,500 for one year
Application cycle
- Available via the Universal Application (opens December 2025; closes February 24, 2026).