Warren Skaaren Scholarships – Rochester Community and Technical College

Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) and the RCTC Foundation are proud to announce the Warren Skaaren Charitable Trust has committed $75,000 to RCTC for scholarships over the next three years. This gift is 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.

The Warren Skaaren Charitable Trust has given $30,000 to be awarded this summer for students with high financial need, who are enrolled at RCTC for the 2021-2022 academic year.

The Skaaren Charitable Trust also pledges $25,000 and $20,000 for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 respectively.

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-$5,000 and will be awarded based on demonstrable financial need. Preference will be given to applicants who are single parents taking care of one or more children and/or applicants who are students of color.

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.