The Warren Skaaren Charitable Trust gave $30,000 annually for the Warren Skaaren Scholarships from 2021-2024. In April, the Warren Skaaren Charitable Trust announced it will fund the Skaaren Scholarships for academic years 2024-2025, and 2025-2026.
These gifts are specifically intended to help make a college education more accessible and affordable for high-need students, especially those who have traditionally faced barriers to receiving an education such as students of color and single parents.
Eligibility Criteria
Each recipient of a scholarship shall meet the following criteria:
- Incoming or Returning Student
- Enrolled for a minimum of 9 credits
- Minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA
- Has demonstrated financial need (FAFSA)
- Graduated from a high school (or received a GED) in the state of Minnesota
Scholarships range from $1,000-$3,000 and will be awarded based on demonstrable financial need. Additional consideration will be given to applicants who must overcome specific personal or systemic barriers to receive an education. BIPOC students and single custodial parents are especially encouraged to apply.
Warren Skaaren was a Rochester-native and 1966 alumnus of Rochester Community College (RCC—predecessor of RCTC) who went on to earn Hollywood notoriety as a screenwriter and executive producer.
Skaaren worked on well-known films including Top Gun (1986), Beetlejuice (1987), Beverly Hills Cop II (1988), and Batman (1989).
During this time, Skaaren maintained a connection with his long-time mentor, Robert (Bob) Wise, Associate Dean of Students at RCC.
Skaaren passed away on December 28, 1990, and the trust created in his name supports causes and institutions that mattered to him during his lifetime.