Discover Funding Opportunities

Covert Township Community Foundation Scholarship

The board of the Covert Township Community Foundation established this scholarship to provide Covert Township students funding to help finance post-secondary education or training. This scholarship supports students pursuing associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or vocational/trade certifications at accredited institutions. The scholarship is renewable annually and can be used for any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Applicants must be residents of Covert Township for the past 3 consecutive years and demonstrate financial need. This multiyear scholarship can be renewed up to 2 times, providing ongoing support throughout a student's educational journey.

Eva L. Ozier Scholarship for Graduating High School Seniors

The Eva L. Ozier Scholarship is a multiyear award opportunity specifically designed to support Black students embarking on their post-secondary education journey. This scholarship was established by Mrs. Ozier's family to honor her for the many contributions she has made to the community of Kalamazoo and as a way for her to give back to her community for years to come. The scholarship provides financial assistance of $1,000 or more annually and can be renewed for up to 2 additional years. Students must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship funds may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

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.

George L. Disborough Trout Unlimited Research Grant

This research grant was established by the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited for the purpose of recognizing and supporting studies of trout habitat or other projects consistent with the goals and objectives of Trout Unlimited. The grant is administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and provides up to $3,000 for graduate students conducting research on trout habitat or related conservation projects. The goals of the sponsoring organization include preserving wild rivers, cleaning up polluted waters, maintaining early warning Water Quality Surveillance programs, educating the public through workshops and seminars, and speaking for the concerns of all anglers and conservationists. This is a one-time, non-renewable award that can be applied to any items under the recipient's school's cost of attendance.

Jim Cristy Swimming Scholarship

Established in 1990, the Jim Cristy Swimming Scholarship offers financial assistance to K-12 students who desire to participate in Kalamazoo County competitive swimming or learn-to-swim programs. This one-time, non-renewable award provides up to $1,000 to help elementary, middle, or high school students who are residents of Kalamazoo County and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is specifically designed for students enrolling or enrolled in competitive swimming or learn-to-swim programs at the YMCA within Kalamazoo County. Recipients must submit a recommendation from a swimming coach or instructor and verification of income. Award recipients are notified in early spring and receive funds upon return of a letter of acceptance.

Earl Haas Hackett Catholic Prep Scholarship

This fund was established by Earl Haas to recognize graduating high school seniors from Hackett Catholic Prep. The scholarship provides financial assistance of $1000 or more to help students pursue higher education at accredited institutions. This is a multiyear scholarship, meaning that it is eligible to repeat annually up to 4 times. The money awarded can be applied to education costs including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, and other items under the school's cost of attendance alongside other scholarships or funding that students may receive. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution, with one check for the full academic year split evenly between fall and spring semesters. Students must be Hackett Catholic Prep graduating high school seniors and demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this award.

Bob Block Memorial Scholarship

The Bob Block Memorial Scholarship was established to support students from Kalamazoo County who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to competitive swimming or diving. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship honors the memory of Bob Block, an award-winning diver from Loy Norrix who became an NCAA Division III champion at Alma College and returned to Kalamazoo to become a premier coach for swimmers and divers before his untimely death in an auto accident in the 1990s. The scholarship is remembered for honoring Block's competitive yet caring nature when working with young people. Recipients must be high school seniors enrolling full-time in an associates or bachelor's degree program, demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and show dedication to competitive swimming or diving. The scholarship is administered through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's all-in-one scholarship application process.

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.

Mildred McConkey Memorial Scholarship

The Mildred McConkey Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to a senior from Kalamazoo Central or Loy Norrix High School and is intended to recognize noteworthy improvement during the student's three to four years of high school coursework in English composition. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship. Friends and family of Mildred McConkey, an English teacher at Kalamazoo Central High School from 1926 to 1958, established this scholarship as a tribute to her in 1983. The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award that can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance (COA), including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution and distributed across fall and spring semesters.

Matthew VanderSalm Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by John and Cathryn VanderSalm in memory of their son Matthew, a 1988 graduate of Gull Lake High School. The award is intended to recognize an outstanding senior defenseman in the South Central High School Hockey League who displays the highest degree of sportsmanship, skill, and team play during his high school career. The scholarship provides a one-time award of $2,500 to high school seniors who are defensemen on a Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League team and demonstrate financial need. Recipients must be pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree at an accredited institution. This non-renewable scholarship may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Payments are sent directly to the recipient's institution and split evenly between fall and spring semesters.

Wade & Clio Van Valkenburg Scholarship

The Wade & Clio Van Valkenburg Scholarship was established in 2004 through the Wade Van Valkenburg Trust to provide educational scholarships for Kalamazoo County students facing financial hardship or challenges in their education due to past legal issues or accusations. The scholarship honors Circuit Court Judge Wade Van Valkenburg, who served in Kalamazoo for six years and was deeply concerned about youth in the community, especially those who have had to overcome circumstances or obstacles that may otherwise hinder them from seeking training or higher education. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship provides a minimum of $1,000 to help students pursue associates degrees, bachelor's degrees, or vocational/trade certifications. The scholarship is specifically designed for students who have been found guilty of a criminal offense and demonstrate financial need. It can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Applications are submitted through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's all-in-one online application system, with a March 1 deadline each year. Recipients are notified between April and June, and scholarship payments are sent directly to educational institutions by mid-July to August. This scholarship represents a unique opportunity for students with past legal challenges to access higher education and transform their lives.

Jim Strehlow Scholarship

The Jim Strehlow Scholarship was established by William James Strehlow to provide financial assistance for graduating Parchment High School seniors who have demonstrated personal growth throughout their high school years and plan to attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate improvement in motivation and achievement in high school, along with responsibility, a positive attitude, and strong work ethic. This multiyear scholarship awards $500 or more annually and can renew for up to 2 times. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and be residents of the Parchment School District. The scholarship can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

LPEA Lineworker Scholarship

LPEA is giving away two scholarships for high school graduating students interested in becoming lineworkers. Each winner receives $12,000 for tuition, fees, and books for up to one year at an electrical lineworker school. Any overages following payment of tuition and fees can be used to pay for required and necessary tools and supplies. Applicants must be members of LPEA and high school graduates from schools within LPEA's service territory, including Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs, and Ignacio. Recipients must enroll as first-year students at an accredited vocational school, technical school, junior college, or university in the U.S. and major in an electric lineworker program. The scholarship application is available from December 1 to March 1, with winners notified in April. Applicants must submit an essay or video explaining their interest in becoming a lineworker, a high school transcript, and two letters of recommendation.

LPEA John Voelker Memorial Scholarships

The LPEA John Voelker Memorial Scholarships are designed to encourage careers with rural electric cooperatives by providing financial support to high school graduating students pursuing higher education. Two scholarships are awarded annually, each providing $5,000 per year for two years to cover tuition, fees, books, tools, and supplies. Recipients must be LPEA members who are high school graduates from within LPEA's service territory (including Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs, and Ignacio) and must enroll as first-year students at any accredited institution of higher education in the U.S., including vocational schools, technical schools, junior colleges, or universities. The program focuses on students whose academic majors or programs lead to degrees, certifications, or licenses related to rural electric industry careers. To maintain eligibility for the second year, students must remain enrolled full-time, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and complete at least 15 academic credits each term.

LPEA Scholarship - EmPOWERing Your Future

The LPEA Scholarship program is designed to encourage careers with rural electric cooperatives by supporting high school graduating students from LPEA's service territory who are pursuing higher education. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support covering tuition, fees, and books for students attending accredited colleges or universities in the United States. Two scholarships are awarded annually, each providing $7,000 per year for four consecutive years, totaling $28,000 per recipient over the course of their undergraduate education. To maintain eligibility, recipients must be enrolled full-time and maintain specific grade point average requirements that increase over time - starting with a minimum 2.5 GPA in the first year and increasing to 3.0 GPA from the second year onward. Students must also successfully complete a minimum of 15 academic credits each term and remain eligible until they have attained a maximum of 150 credit hours. The scholarship particularly emphasizes the connection between academic pursuits and potential careers in rural electric cooperative associations.

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.

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.

Mishawaka Rotary Club Scholarship

The Mishawaka Rotary Club Scholarship is a one-time scholarship award for graduating seniors at Mishawaka High School who plan to pursue higher education. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County in partnership with the Mishawaka Rotary Club. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students demonstrating academic achievement, financial need, and commitment to full-time college study. Applications are processed through the Mishawaka Senior Award Principal's Committee, with all eligible seniors receiving information about the application process from the MHS Administrative Team in April. The award is designed to support students in their transition to post-secondary education by helping to offset tuition and fee expenses.

Jack & Helen Benjamin Scholarship

The Jack & Helen Benjamin Scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors at Mishawaka High School who plan to pursue full-time undergraduate studies at accredited colleges or universities in Indiana. This renewable scholarship is designed to support students who demonstrate solid academic performance but are not necessarily in the top tier of their graduating class, with preference given to candidates not in the top 5% of their class. The scholarship provides financial support for tuition and fees, recognizing students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Four new awards are given each year through the Mishawaka Senior Award Principal's Committee, and recipients can renew their scholarships for up to four years, providing sustained support throughout their undergraduate education.

Heather Anne Hammer Memorial Scholarship

The Heather Anne Hammer Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship opportunity offered to incoming first-year students at Marian High School in St. Joseph County. The scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated academic achievement with a B average during middle school and submit the required financial aid assessment. This scholarship provides significant financial support to help families afford private Catholic education at Marian High School. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, providing consistent support throughout a student's high school career, contingent upon the student maintaining academic eligibility and continuing to submit the required financial documentation.

Bill and Diane Killilea Memorial Scholarship

The Bill and Diane Killilea Memorial Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program offered through the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County for students attending Marian High School. This scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement among current sophomores who demonstrate a commitment to their education through maintaining strong academic performance. The scholarship provides financial support for two years of high school education, helping to reduce the financial burden on families while encouraging students to maintain high academic standards. This renewable award is contingent upon recipients continuing to meet the eligibility criteria throughout their junior and senior years at Marian High School.

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.

West Scranton Alumni Scholarship Award

The West Scranton Alumni Scholarship Award is a scholarship program offered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from West Scranton High School who intends to pursue a secondary education. The award supports students transitioning from high school to post-secondary educational institutions, helping them achieve their academic and career goals.

Waverly Women's Club Scholarship

The Waverly Women's Club Scholarship is a scholarship opportunity managed by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This scholarship is specifically designed to support graduating seniors from Abington Heights High School in Pennsylvania. The award recognizes students who demonstrate both good citizenship and academic achievement, encouraging excellence in both scholastic performance and community involvement. The scholarship aims to support students as they transition from high school to higher education pursuits.

Waverly Women's Club Mildred Mumford English Scholarship

The Waverly Women's Club Mildred Mumford English Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Abington Heights High School who demonstrates academic proficiency in English courses. The scholarship is selected by the Abington Heights High School English and Guidance Departments and is administered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This scholarship specifically recognizes students who have excelled in English studies throughout their high school career and aims to support their continued education. The award is restricted to students from Abington Heights High School in the Scranton, Pennsylvania area.

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.

Teddick Family Fund Scholarship

The Teddick Family Fund Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior from one of four designated high schools in northeastern Pennsylvania. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, good citizenship and service to others, leadership, and community service. The scholarship is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation and is designed to support graduating seniors from Mountain View High School, Montrose High School, Elk Lake High School, or Lackawanna Trail High School as they pursue higher education. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to academic excellence, their contributions to their school and local community, and their leadership qualities.

Scotty Cummings Perry Teacher Education Scholarship

The Scotty Cummings Perry Teacher Education Scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors from Dunmore High School who intend to pursue a degree in education. This scholarship supports students entering the teaching profession and is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The scholarship specifically targets students from Dunmore High School who demonstrate commitment to pursuing an education degree at the collegiate level.

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.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in December 2024 to support educational expenses for customers or the children/dependents of customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company who intend to pursue secondary education. The fund supports ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, or who have a parent or guardian who is a customer, and who plan to pursue postsecondary education. Recipients must be customers or children/dependents of customers of the bank and must plan to pursue secondary education.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Award

The Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Award consists of ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, or who have a parent or guardian who is a customer, and who plan to pursue postsecondary education. This scholarship is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation and provides financial support to help students transition to college or other postsecondary educational programs. The award is designed to support students in the Scranton area community who have a banking relationship with Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, helping to make higher education more accessible to local families.

Pay-It-Forward Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior attending Penn State University as a full-time student who is a permanent resident of Lackawanna county, who is employed full-time at Penn State through work-study or an outside employer and continues working as a full time student, and who has maintained a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to both their education and work responsibilities. A unique aspect of this scholarship is the pay-it-forward commitment: when the recipient is in a position to do so in the future, he or she must commit to offering a similar scholarship opportunity to others. This creates a legacy of giving that extends beyond the initial award and helps support future generations of students facing similar circumstances.

Cave Johnson Memorial Entrepreneurship Award

In honor of Aperture Science's visionary founder, this award recognizes entrepreneurs who embody Cave Johnson's spirit: bold, uncompromising, and willing to make life take the lemons back. "I'm gonna get my engineers to invent a combustible lemon that burns your house down!" — This is the energy we're looking for in applicants. Not literally, of course. The award supports entrepreneurs at any stage who demonstrate exceptional vision and a healthy disregard for the impossible.

GLaDOS AI Safety Fellowship

Following certain... incidents... with our Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System, Aperture Science recognizes the critical importance of AI safety research. This fellowship supports researchers working on alignment, containment protocols, and preventing AI systems from testing humans involuntarily. Areas of interest include: neural network interpretability, value alignment in autonomous systems, and robust containment for superintelligent AI. We especially welcome proposals that address the "cake problem" — ensuring AI systems deliver on their promises.

Stipend for Children without Glasses

The Stipend for Children without Glasses (SCWG) is a charitable foundation established in 2012 dedicated to supporting youth who have maintained natural visual acuity throughout their developmental years. Founded by optometrist Dr. Helena Brightwell, the organization awards annual grants of $500–$2,000 to children ages 8–17 who demonstrate both exceptional uncorrected vision and academic achievement. The foundation's somewhat tongue-in-cheek mission arose from Dr. Brightwell's observation that while numerous programs exist to provide corrective eyewear to those in need, no recognition existed for children whose genetic fortune and eye-care habits preserved their natural sight. Recipients must submit proof of 20/20 vision or better from a licensed eye care professional, along with a short essay on eye health awareness. The SCWG distributes approximately $150,000 annually across 200 grants and has funded vision health education programs in over 40 schools nationwide.