Municipal Government Academy (MGA)

Investing in North Dakota’s Next Generation of City Leaders

Each year, the Municipal Government Academy (MGA) awards three $1,000 college scholarships to outstanding North Dakota students who are children or grandchildren of current city employees or elected city officials. Students who are currently employed—either temporarily or permanently—by a North Dakota city are also eligible to apply.

Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for the Jan Jordan Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: 17–22 years old
• Employment Connection:
  • Current employee (temporary or permanent), or elected city official of a North Dakota city
  • Child or grandchild of a current city employee or elected city official of a North Dakota city.
• Enrollment: Registered as a full-time student at an accredited North Dakota university, college, or vocational/technical certification program (full-time status is determined by the institution)
• Previous Winners: Not eligible to reapply

Submission Details: Submit applications below or mail materials to:

North Dakota League of Cities
MGA: Jan Jordan Scholarship Fund
410 E. Front Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58504

DEADLINE: All materials must be postmarked no later than Friday, March 20, 2026.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that any letters or transcripts sent separately arrive by the deadline.

Transcript Submission Information: To ensure authenticity, transcripts must be either embossed with a raised seal by the school or placed in a sealed envelope with a stamp or signature across the flap. If the transcript bears a raised seal, a sealed envelope is not required.

Schools may also send transcripts directly to the address listed, email them to jennifer@ndlc.org from an official school email address, or upload them using the submission form below. Please allow the school ample time to process and submit your request.

For questions or additional information, contact Jennifer at 701-223-3518 or jennifer@ndlc.org.

SUBMISSION FORM

Celebrating a Legacy of Service and Community

Jan Jordan dedicated 27 years to the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC), serving the final eight years of her career as Member Services Manager. She played a pivotal role in member engagement, event planning, and city outreach—and was often the first friendly, helpful voice members heard when calling the NDLC office.

Jan’s passion for helping North Dakota cities thrive was evident in everything she did. She launched impactful programs such as City Government Week and the “If I Were Mayor” essay contest, both designed to highlight the importance of municipal services and inspire civic pride among young people.

Reflecting on her decades of service, Jan once said, “When I started working for the NDLC, I was just looking for something to do for a couple of years. Well, I must have liked it, because it’s been 27.”

After retiring from NDLC, Jan continued her commitment to helping others through her work at AARC Seeds of Hope. She enjoys traveling to visit her children—Michael in Missoula, Montana, and Sue in Scottsdale, Arizona—and spending time with her grandsons, Cayden and Connor.

Her legacy continues to inspire the next generation of leaders through the Jan Jordan Scholarship Fund.