Discover Funding Opportunities

E. Earl Wright Scholarship

The E. Earl Wright Scholarship supports students with work experience pursuing a 2-year degree or vocational/trade certification. This award was originally established by friends and family of Dr. E. Earl Wright as the E. Earl Wright Community Achievement Award Fund to honor community activist Dr. Wright. The award recognized someone who had contributed to improved quality of life in areas such as education, community service, community management, research and evaluation and problem-solving in Kalamazoo County. In 2002, the Steering Committee of the E. Earl Wright Community Achievement Award voted to change the fund to a scholarship fund named the E. Earl Wright Scholarship Fund. This is a multiyear scholarship eligible to repeat annually up to 2 times for students enrolled full-time in associate's degree programs or vocational/trade certifications. Students must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, have a minimum 2.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and have work experience.

Kalamazoo Public Library Amanda Green Scholarship

The goal of this scholarship, named after a longtime library assistant in Teen Services, is to promote the library profession to people of color. By providing monetary assistance to individuals, KPL hopes to promote the hiring of more librarians of color either at home or in other communities. Amanda Green worked at KPL for 23 years, from 1998 to 2012. Many of those years she spent in Teen Services, working to give all teens the opportunity to improve their lives. Her passion for KPL's mission to support and mentor teens has been passed on for years. In 2016, the Kalamazoo Public Library board passed a resolution that reaffirms the library's commitment to address equal justice under the law, racial justice, and institutional racism, social-economic divisions in the community and human dignity for all through programs, services, policies, practices and the empowerment of staff. This multiyear scholarship is eligible to repeat annually up to 2 years if enrolled full-time or up to 4 years if enrolled part-time.

Bhargava Family Scholarship

This scholarship, established by the Bhargava family, recognizes graduating high school seniors who demonstrate high academic performance as well as involvement in school, community and work activities. The scholarship provides a minimum of $1,000 annually and is renewable for up to 4 years. Recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo County or have graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County. Students must maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and have achieved a minimum 1310 SAT or 28 ACT score. The scholarship emphasizes outstanding leadership and commitment to school and/or community involvement. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the recipient's institution and may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

Derek Jeter Scholarship-Turn 2 Education Fund

The Derek Jeter Scholarship-Turn 2 Education Fund, established in 1997 by Turn 2, provides scholarship support for graduating high school seniors who demonstrate leadership in their community while promoting abstinence from drugs and alcohol. This multiyear scholarship awards $2,500 annually and renews each year for eligible students pursuing full-time associate or bachelor's degree programs. The scholarship was established by professional athlete Derek Jeter, whose concern for youth led to the creation of the Turn 2 Foundation, which supports programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and adopt healthy lifestyles. Recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, achieve minimum standardized test scores (1060 SAT or 21 ACT), and show leadership and involvement in school and community activities that advocate a substance-free lifestyle.

William R. Steers Kalamazoo Community Foundation Scholarship

The William R. Steers Kalamazoo Community Foundation Scholarship was established to assist high school seniors from Kalamazoo County who plan to attend Albion College. This one-time award of $1,500 is designed to support students with demonstrated financial need and strong academic performance. William Steers began his college education in 1939 at Albion College, but left during World War II to attend the United States Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1945. He commanded a minesweeper during the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star. William Steers served as the president of Kalamazoo Creamery Company for 20 years and was an active member of American Business Clubs. The scholarship can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. While the initial KZCF award is one-time, the scholarship is eligible to repeat annually up to 4 years with the last 3 years funded through Albion College.

Roy G. Walters Memorial Scholarship

The Roy G. Walters Memorial Scholarship was established in 1995 to provide financial support for higher education to students who have participated in athletics as well as school and community activities. This scholarship honors Roy G. Walters, a celebrated coach, athlete, and 1992 inductee into the Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The scholarship supports high school seniors from Kalamazoo County who demonstrate involvement in athletics and school and community activities, with financial need taken into consideration. This is a one-time, non-renewable award that can be applied to any items under the student's school cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

Frank & Hildegrade Goodrich Family Scholarship

The Frank and Hildegarde Goodrich Family Scholarship Fund was established through gifts from Frank, Jr.; Walter; and Elizabeth; the children of Frank and Hildegarde Goodrich. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide meaningful financial support to incoming junior and senior undergraduate students and incoming or current graduate students enrolled at Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, the University of Colorado, and the University of Wisconsin. These are universities from which the family members received degrees. The scholarship aims to support students who are residents of Kalamazoo County or graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and show participation in college and community activities with work experience. This is a one-time, non-renewable award that provides $2,500 or more in financial assistance to help students cover their school's cost of attendance.

Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association Scholarship

The Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association Scholarship was established to assist students who have taken part in the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association program. This one-time scholarship award of $1,500 is designed to support high school seniors pursuing a bachelor's degree (4-year) at an accredited institution. The scholarship specifically recognizes students who have demonstrated superior character, sportsmanship, and good citizenship through their participation in the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association program. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA while demonstrating financial need. The scholarship funds may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance (COA), including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, and other educational expenses. Payments are sent directly to the recipient's institution and are typically split evenly between fall and spring semesters. The application process is streamlined through an all-in-one online application system administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Students can apply starting December 1st, with submissions due by March 1st. Applicants are notified of award decisions between April and June, with scholarship payments sent directly to institutions by mid-July through August. This is a non-renewable, one-time award that can be combined with other scholarships or funding sources.

Duane Roberts Scholarship

The Duane Roberts Scholarship was established in memory of Duane Roberts, a Kalamazoo Public Schools graduate, community activist, and KPS Board of Education member, to provide scholarship support to KPS minority students. This scholarship provides financial assistance of $1000 or more to Kalamazoo Public Schools graduating seniors who are minorities, demonstrate financial need, and show a commitment to social justice. The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award that can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution and can be used alongside other scholarships or funding the student may receive.

Danial & Joeanna Smith Education Scholarship

The Danial & Joeanna Smith Education Scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Danial and Joeanna Smith for the purpose of providing educational scholarships to permanent residents of Van Buren County who are planning to pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship supports full-time students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, financial need, and participation in extracurricular activities. The scholarship amount varies and is not disclosed. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA for high school seniors or 3.0 GPA for current undergraduates. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the educational institution and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. The application process is streamlined through an all-in-one online application available from December 1 through March 1 each year, with award notifications sent between April and June, and payments disbursed by mid-July through August.

Weber Specialties Company Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Weber Specialties Company located in Schoolcraft, Michigan to support students pursuing a certificate or two-year or four-year degree in a manufacturing curriculum. The scholarship provides financial assistance of $500 or more to students pursuing manufacturing-related fields such as Manufacturing Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Integrated Supply Management, or Engineering Graphics and Design Technology. Applicants must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating from or graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County and demonstrate financial need. This is a one-time, non-renewable award that can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, and other educational expenses. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the educational institution and distributed between fall and spring semesters.

Brian Thiele Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, established by family and friends in memory of Brian Thiele, provides financial assistance to students who exhibit characteristics similar to those for which Brian is so fondly remembered. This includes playing varsity and/or club soccer, achievement of personal and academic goals, overcoming obstacles to meet his goals, competitive spirit, leadership and a special caring for community. The scholarship is available to students pursuing associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or vocational/trade certifications. Recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduates from a high school within Kalamazoo County, demonstrate financial need, have four years of participation on a soccer team during high school, and demonstrate competitive spirit, leadership, and a desire to give back to others. Brian Arthur Thiele was born September 16, 1971 in Kalamazoo, MI. He was finishing a degree in Logistics Management at Western Michigan University when, at the age of 22, his life was cut short as a result of an in-line skating accident while interning in Isny, Germany. Brian, a 1990 graduate of Portage Northern High School, spent four years on the varsary soccer team. Although he loved to play the game, he found just as much, if not more, excitement and pleasure on the sideline coaching. This scholarship honors his legacy of dedication to soccer, leadership, and community service.

Ronald F. Shepard Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in engineering who exhibit the following characteristics for which 'Shep' is so fondly remembered: a relentless curiosity, a spirit of collaboration, a drive for innovation, and a commitment to learning, creating and growing alongside others. The scholarship is a multiyear award that renews annually for $1,000 and is available to high school seniors, current undergraduates, and graduate students enrolled in engineering programs. Applicants must be residents of or graduates from Kalamazoo County or Van Buren County in Michigan, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

Reed A. Oei Memorial Scholarship

The Reed A. Oei Memorial Scholarship is awarded to exceptional graduating seniors at St. Joseph High School who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement with a 4.0 GPA and a strong ability and interest in mathematics. The scholarship is designed to support students who intend to major in mathematics as a primary consideration, or computer science as a secondary consideration. Recipients must demonstrate exceptional character and contribute positively to the Saint Joseph High School learning environment. The scholarship provides $1,500 annually for tuition and required fees and is renewable for up to four years. Only one new award is given every four years, making this a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity for students at St. Joseph High School.

Vince Peterson Scholarship

The Vince Peterson Scholarship supports students enrolled in the Counseling and Human Services Master's degree program at IU South Bend who are members of underrepresented groups in the field. The scholarship is specifically designed to support Black, Hispanic, and/or male students pursuing their MS Degree in Counseling and Human Services. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years with a total maximum award of $6,000, supporting students as they complete their graduate education and advance their career goals in counseling and human services. Recipients must maintain academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate satisfactory progress toward degree completion while being enrolled in at least one three-credit course each semester.

Buechner Scholarship

The Buechner Scholarship supports licensed teachers in St. Joseph County, Indiana who wish to pursue graduate education at Indiana University South Bend. The scholarship is designed specifically for teachers pursuing a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in either the Unified Track Elementary and Secondary Education program or the Education Leadership program. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA. The scholarship provides financial support based on enrollment, with $1,000 per three-credit class and an additional $500 book stipend per semester for students enrolled in at least 4 credit hours. The scholarship is renewable annually upon submission of a renewal application and continued satisfaction of eligibility criteria. Annual disbursements will not exceed $10,000 per academic year and cannot exceed the cost of tuition and mandatory fees for any session. This opportunity is administered by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and is intended to support the professional development of educators in the local community.

Katie McCloskey Memorial Scholarship

The Katie McCloskey Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship program administered by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. This scholarship is designed to support graduating seniors from John Adams High School who have demonstrated involvement in athletic activities during their high school career. The scholarship recognizes student-athletes who maintain academic performance while participating in sports. This award provides $3,500 per year for tuition and fees, and is renewable for up to four years, making the total potential award value $14,000. One new scholarship is awarded each year to a qualifying senior who meets the minimum cumulative grade point average requirement of 2.5. The scholarship aims to support students as they transition from high school athletics to higher education. Applicants must be senior students at John Adams High School in South Bend, Indiana, with demonstrated athletic involvement and academic achievement. The scholarship application process is coordinated through the Adams High School Guidance Office, with applications typically due in March each year. This memorial scholarship honors the legacy of Katie McCloskey by supporting student-athletes in pursuing their educational goals.

21st Century Success Fellowship

The 21st Century Success Fellowship supports 21st Century Scholars from St. Joseph County who are completing 2- or 4-year degrees from a college or university located in St. Joseph County, Indiana. Admitted Fellows participate in organized leadership development opportunities that target personal and professional growth through career exploration, networking, collaboration with current Fellows and outreach to potential 21st Century Scholars. Fellows have the additional opportunity to participate in a paid summer internship at a local nonprofit to support their academic and professional journey. The Fellowship provides a $5,000 annual stipend ($500 per month from August to May) in addition to the state-funded 21st Century Scholarship. The Fellowship may be renewed to cover a 2- or 4-year course of study, contingent on satisfactory participation in Fellowship activities and retention of the 21st Century Scholarship.

Anita F. Boorda Scholarship for the Performing Arts

The Anita F. Boorda Scholarship for the Performing Arts provides financial support to high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in Performing Arts, Music, Theatre, Dance, or Production. The scholarship offers up to $2,500 annually and is renewable for up to four years, making it a valuable long-term investment in students' performing arts education. Applicants must be residents of specific counties in Indiana or Michigan, graduate with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and plan to attend an accredited college or university for full-time study in the performing arts. Preference is given to students who have been actively engaged in the performing arts during their high school career. The scholarship is administered through the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County's centralized application process, which provides access to over 20 scholarship opportunities through a single application.

MLKCCSD Educational Grant for High School Artists

The Martin Luther King Community Choir of San Diego (MLKCCSD) Educational Grant supports graduating high school seniors in San Diego County who are pursuing artistic majors at universities, colleges, conservatories, or art schools. Since 1998, the program has awarded $330,000 in educational grants to 137 students pursuing various forms of artistic expression including singing, dancing, playing instruments, painting, sculpting, filmmaking, acting, writing, and other creative pursuits. The grant is designed to support local budding artists in the San Diego community as they transition from high school to higher education in the arts. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and be U.S. citizens residing in San Diego County. The program encourages creativity and seeks students with flair, grit, and determination who are committed to pursuing their artistic passions.

Vipond Family Scholarship

The Vipond Family Scholarship is awarded to a forthcoming or current student of Keystone College who demonstrates academic achievement, good citizenship and service to others, leadership, and participation in community service. This scholarship is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, which serves the northeastern Pennsylvania region. The scholarship supports students pursuing their education at Keystone College and recognizes those who have shown commitment to their community through service and leadership activities.

The Raoul Wallenberg and Carol Rittner Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a current or forthcoming student of Keystone College who demonstrates characteristics of good citizenship and community service. The scholarship is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation and honors the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg and Carol Rittner by supporting students who embody values of civic engagement and service to their communities. The award is specifically designated for students attending Keystone College in Pennsylvania.

Russell J. O'Malley and James E. O'Brien Memorial Scholarship

The Russell J. O'Malley and James E. O'Brien Memorial Scholarship Award honors the memory of Russell J. O'Malley and James E. O'Brien who were long term, active and revered members of the Country Club of Scranton. This scholarship is awarded to a qualified Country Club of Scranton employee who is attending a secondary or post-secondary educational institution. The scholarship provides financial support to help employees of the Country Club of Scranton pursue their educational goals at secondary or post-secondary levels.

Portal Technology Research Grant

Aperture Science is offering funding for researchers pushing the boundaries of interdimensional transport technology. We seek proposals addressing quantum tunneling at macroscopic scales, stable wormhole generation, and momentum conservation in non-Euclidean transit systems. "Now you're thinking with portals!" — This grant supports exactly that kind of thinking. Previous recipients have achieved breakthroughs in spatial displacement, though companion cube preservation rates remain a challenge.