Scholarships for Graduates of Anoka-Hennepin School District
Are you are a senior at an Anoka-Hennepin Public School District (District 11) High School?
Are you are planning to attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school, but need additional funds to do so?
If so, ask your high school Career and College Specialist for a scholarship application. All AHEF Thurston Fund Scholarships are awarded through the scholarship committees at each of our five high schools: Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Champlin Park, and Coon Rapids High Schools.
Want to help students with post-secondary education? A contribution or bequest to AHEF (to the Thurston Fund, another scholarship fund, or for other purposes aligned with AHEF's mission) helps ensure that capable students will have the opportunity for quality education. Your gift will benefit many generations of students. Please click here if you are interested in making a donation to benefit students in our Anoka-Hennepin Schools.
History of the Thurston Fund
In 1963, Anoka businessman Harlan R. Thurston, and Anoka School Superintendent Morris Bye, discussed the need for area students to attend college. The result was the Harlan R. Thurston Foundation, which provided much-needed college loans and scholarships to area high school graduates. Today, the Thurston Fund provides scholarships through the five high schools in the Anoka-Hennepin Public School District (District 11).
The Foundation began with a generous donation of personal funds. Over the years, continued contributions and wise investment allowed the Board of Directors to keep pace with the increasing demands for assistance.
In 2024, the Thurston Foundation transferred their assets, mission, and legacy to the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation (AHEF). This transfer to AHEF secures the good work of the Thurston Funds for many more years to come and increases operational efficiency, reduces overhead and provides greater security for the future. The integrity of the fund established by Harlan Thurston over sixty years ago continues to support students of the Anoka-Hennepin School District through scholarships for post-secondary education.
