Tom Rukavina Mineral Royalties Scholarship Committee
The St. Louis County Board established a Mineral Royalties Scholarship program in 2017, designating $150,000 each year for scholarships for St. Louis County students attending Minnesota North College Mesabi Range, Minnesota North College Hibbing, Minnesota North College Vermilion, or Lake Superior College. Scholarship applications are handled by the Foundation Offices at each college. This committee oversees the scholarship program to determine when any changes are needed.
In 2024, St. Louis County pushed for changes to state legislation allowing for the expansion of the scholarship to also support students in accredited skilled trades program. In 2025, the scholarship program grew to $187,500 to include allocations to Duluth and Iron Range Building and Construction Trades Councils.
County Commissioners serving on this committee include Keith Nelson, Keith Musolf, and Paul McDonald. The Tom Rukavina Mineral Royalties Scholarship Committee also includes the County Auditor, and representatives from the Northeast Higher Education District, Minnesota North College, and Regional Builders & Construction Trades Councils.