Barb Barduson Scholarship Fund

For more than a generation, Barbara “Barb” Barduson was the heart of Minnesota FHA/FCCLA. A Home Economics teacher, early FHA adviser, and longtime state leader, she devoted her career to helping young people gain skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose through Family and Consumer Sciences and FCCLA. Many of our long-time advisers, alumni, and past officers remember Barb’s steady presence, her belief in young people, and her unwavering commitment to our mission.

She began her career as a Home Economics teacher and FHA adviser in the early years of the organization. In 1949, under her leadership as a chapter adviser, Minnesota proudly celebrated its first-ever National Officer. In 1969, Barb became the State Adviser of Minnesota FHA, a role she held with distinction until 1985. During her tenure, she: Helped design and grow Minnesota’s Action Activity Events, which later inspired the national STAR Events program Supported the expansion of chapters and membership across Minnesota Became a legendary figure at Camp, State Meeting, and National Meetings—remembered for her organization and high expectations, but also for her humor, stories, and occasional good-natured hijinks.

Barb truly loved FHA/FCCLA, Family and Consumer Sciences, and the students and advisers she served with all her heart. Even after retirement, she remained deeply connected to the organization—attending state meetings as recently as a few years ago and joining us for major anniversaries, including Minnesota’s 70th celebration in 2016. Her influence is still woven into the programs, traditions, and sense of community our members experience today.

To Apply:

1. Complete an application for Regional Officer, Peer Educator or State Officer,
2. Submit a completed Barb Barduson Scholarship Acknowledgement Form and
3. An FCCLA Resume (including your GPA) highlighting community engagement, FCCLA and school involvement and Academic Achievement to [email protected] by March 6.

Applications for the scholarship are embedded within your Peer Educator, Area Officer, or State Officers applications. In additional to the application requirements above, scholarship recipients must:

1. Be elected into office as a Peer Educator, Area Officer or State Officer
2. Have been a member for at least 1 full calendar year at the time of the State Leadership Conference

The scholarship committee will be prioritizing candidates who have demonstrated:

1. Community engagement
2. School and FCCLA involvement
3. Academic Achievement

The scholarship committee will draw on your application materials, if you choose to also apply for the Barb Barduson Scholarship, giving the following weight to each component in their selection process:

• 5 pts for GPA (to be included on resume)
• 15 pts for letters of recommendation
• 20 pts for resume
• 20 pts for each of the essay questions below

Gifts to this fund will support scholarships and leadership opportunities for Minnesota FCCLA members—helping students participate in FCCLA’s National Leadership Conference. The National Leadership Conference is remarkable experience that build the leadership skills, meaningful social connections, and confidence in youth that Barb championed throughout her life. If you would like to honor Barb’s memory and extend her legacy of opportunity and leadership, please consider making a gift using the secure form below.

Donate to the Barb Barduson Scholarship Fund

If you prefer to give by check, please use the information below:

• Make checks payable to: Minnesota FCCLA

• Memo line: Barb Barduson Scholarship Fund

• Mail to:
  Minnesota FCCLA
  P.O. Box 131386
  Roseville, MN 55113