The grant is open to students entering grades 5-12 residing in the SW MN Arts Council service region, including Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine counties, as well as the Pezihutazizi/Upper Sioux Community and Cansayapi/Lower Sioux Community. Applicants must have been a resident for at least six months prior to application and must remain in residence throughout the grant period.