LAMN Foundation invests 55k to fund scholarships

Every day, caregivers across Minnesota bring comfort, dignity, and compassion to older adults. Many dream of advancing their skills, earning a degree, or stepping into leadership—yet the cost of education can put those dreams out of reach.

The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation changes that. Through our annual scholarship program, we remove financial barriers and open pathways to brighter futures—for caregivers, their families, and the older adults they serve.  

The 2025 scholarship program  

This year, we’re investing $55,000 in the next generation of aging services professionals. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this marks a 41 percent increase in scholarship funding available compared to 2024. Scholarships up to $2,500 help cover tuition costs—empowering recipients to grow, lead, and innovate in their careers. 

Below, we’re highlighting four of our 23 deserving scholarship recipients to demonstrate the real-world impact of this program. 

Karen Mitchell 

Having worked as the LPN Manager at Frazee and Vergas Assisted Living, Karen Mitchell is heading back to school to pursue a Nursing Degree so that she can become an RN. Mitchell has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 31 years. In addition to her current work in Assisted Living, she has worked in home care, hospice, and long-term care settings.

Compassionate care 

Mitchell traces her nursing aspirations back to some of her earliest memories. “I inherited the gift of compassion from my Mom,” Mitchell noted. “As a toddler, I would pretend to be a nurse and care for my stuffed animals and also any living creature I found outside that was injured in any way.” 

This type of compassionate care is the driving force behind Mitchell’s desire to further her education and become an RN. 

The impact you help create  

When you support our scholarship program, you’re not just funding education—you’re shaping the future of senior care in Minnesota. You’re equipping dedicated professionals with the skills to deliver exceptional care, create meaningful connections, and ensure that every older adult is treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.  

Together, we can turn dreams into reality—and transform the experience of aging for thousands of Minnesotans.