Discover Funding Opportunities

Phyllis A. Nuyen Scholarship

This scholarship fund was established to provide financial support to students planning to pursue a degree in nursing or occupational therapy at Western Michigan University. The scholarship provides up to $2,000 annually and is a multiyear award that renews annually up to 2 times. Recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo County or have graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be studying nursing or occupational therapy at Western Michigan University. The scholarship is available to high school seniors enrolling full-time in a bachelor's degree program. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the institution and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

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.

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.

CIS/Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation Scholarship

The Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation Scholarship, established by the directors and officers of the Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation, is awarded annually to a Kalamazoo Public Schools graduating senior planning to enter the field of education. This scholarship supports students pursuing a course of study leading to a career in teaching who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. The award is renewable annually and provides at least $1,000 per year to help cover educational expenses. Recipients must be full-time students pursuing a teaching career with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Mary Roe Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established for graduating Comstock High School seniors pursuing a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics). The scholarship is a multiyear award that renews annually up to 4 times, providing financial assistance of $1,000 or more per year. Eligible students must be graduating seniors from Comstock High School with a minimum 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue an undergraduate bachelor's degree in a STEM field. The scholarship 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 split between fall and spring semesters. Recipients are selected through an all-in-one online application process managed by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, with applications opening December 1 and due March 1 each year. Award notifications are sent between April and June, and payments are distributed to institutions by mid-July through August.

Dr. Jack & Charlene Sauer Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Dr. Jack and Charlene Sauer to support scholarships for higher education for graduating high school seniors from Schoolcraft High School who plan to enroll in a Michigan vocational or technical school or a two- or four-year college or university. The scholarship provides up to $1,000 annually and is renewable for up to four years. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and attend a college or program in Michigan. The scholarship can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

Gail & Hilda Oster Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Gail and Hilda Oster for the purpose of providing meaningful support to graduating high school seniors or graduates, who are residents of Van Buren County or graduating high school seniors or graduates of high schools within Van Buren County, who are planning to pursue or are pursuing bachelor's degrees in the fields of education, mathematics or science; or enrolling or enrolled in a Veterinary Technologist or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs. This is a multiyear scholarship that is eligible to repeat annually up to 4 times. The scholarship provides a minimum of $1,000 and requires applicants to be Van Buren County residents or graduates from high schools within Van Buren County, have a minimum 2.75 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the institution and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

Mary Ruth Robinson Scholarship

This scholarship fund was established to provide financial assistance for higher education to Kalamazoo Central students who have demonstrated a genuine excitement about, and enthusiasm for, education. The scholarship is designed to support students pursuing bachelor's degrees (4-year programs) at accredited institutions. Recipients must be Kalamazoo Central High School graduating seniors or graduates who maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship emphasizes supporting students who show genuine passion and enthusiasm for their educational pursuits. This multiyear scholarship can be renewed annually for up to 5 years, with awards of $2,000 or more per year. Scholarship funds may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

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.

Ronald C. Cavanaugh Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald C. Cavanaugh by supporting current undergrads from Kalamazoo County attending Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University. Established in 1994 by the family of Ronald Cavanaugh, this scholarship commemorates his memory. A Kalamazoo native, Cavanaugh earned a degree in business administration from Western Michigan University in 1967 and enjoyed a successful career in the paper industry, culminating in the ownership of The Spartan Paperboard Company. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students who are residents of Kalamazoo County or graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and are attending Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University. This is a one-time, non-renewable award of $1,500 or more that can be applied to any items under the school's 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.

Benjamin & Cherie Gubin Scholarship

The Benjamin and Cherie Gubin Scholarship was established in 2005 through a bequest from the Benjamin Gubin estate to provide funding for graduate education. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship award provides $2,500 or more to support graduate students who have a connection to Kalamazoo County. The scholarship is designed to assist current graduate students pursuing graduate degrees who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarship funds may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance (COA), including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Payments are sent directly to the institution and distributed across the academic year.

Jean Hunse Scholarship

The Jean Hunse Scholarship was established in honor of Jean Hunse, who became a certified public accountant in 1943, started and later served as president of the American Association of Women CPA's, and opened her own accounting firm in Kalamazoo in 1977. This scholarship provides financial assistance to students studying business at Western Michigan University. The award is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of $1,000 or more that is sent directly to the institution. Students must be residents of Kalamazoo County or have graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, demonstrate financial need, be a business major (with preference for accounting), and be a college junior, senior, or fifth-year senior. The scholarship can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

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.

David & Barbara Kruse Paw Paw High School Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Barbara Kruse and the late David Kruse to provide meaningful financial support to Paw Paw High School graduating seniors or graduates of Paw Paw High School, who are planning to pursue training in technical fields. The scholarship supports students pursuing associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, or vocational/trade certifications. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be pursuing a course of study leading to a career in a technical field. This is a one-time, non-renewable award of $1,000 or more. The scholarship 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.

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.

Wright Coating Company Scholarship

Wright Coating Company established this scholarship fund in 1991 for the purpose of providing financial assistance to college-bound youth residing on the north side of Kalamazoo. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship provides $1,000 to high school seniors pursuing full-time associate or bachelor's degree programs. The scholarship requires applicants to be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County, have lived in the northside neighborhood of Kalamazoo for at least one year, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is administered through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's all-in-one application process, with applications opening December 1 and closing March 1 each year. Recipients are notified between April and June, with scholarship payments sent directly to their educational institutions by mid-July through August. 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.

Ann N. MacGregor Scholarship

The Ann N. MacGregor Scholarship was established in 2007 through a gift from the estate of Ann N. MacGregor to provide scholarship assistance for incoming freshmen, undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a visual arts curriculum. The scholarship provides $5,000 or more in one-time, non-renewable financial assistance to students pursuing visual arts education. While demonstrating financial need is not required, it is preferred. This scholarship is designed to support students from Kalamazoo County who are pursuing associate, bachelor's, or graduate degrees in visual arts. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA and submit examples of their visual art(s) as part of the application. The scholarship can be applied to any items under the student's school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Payments are sent directly to the educational institution and split between fall and spring semesters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thomas H. Barry Memorial Scholarship

The Thomas H. Barry Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award offered to graduating seniors at Marian High School who demonstrate potential and aptitude in two or more areas within the Marian Fine Arts Department. The scholarship provides $1,500 for tuition and required fees to support students pursuing arts-related interests after high school. Preference may be given to students with a 2.5-3.5 cumulative GPA at the end of the 7th semester. One new award is given each year, and students must apply through the Marian High School Guidance Office prior to the school's spring break.

Officer Paul R. Deguch Memorial Scholarship

The Officer Paul R. Deguch Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship program offered through the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County to support students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice at Indiana University South Bend. This memorial scholarship honors the legacy of Officer Paul R. Deguch by providing financial assistance to qualifying students from St. Joseph County who are committed to the study of criminal justice. The scholarship provides $1,500 per year to help cover tuition and required fees for eligible students who demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum 2.5 GPA. One award is granted annually to a resident of St. Joseph County enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at IU South Bend. Applicants must complete the Indiana University South Bend Scholarship Application and may obtain additional information from the IU South Bend College of Liberal Arts and Sciences office or the Department of Criminal Justice.

Chas W. Cole Scholarship

The Chas W. Cole Scholarship provides financial assistance to undergraduate students from St. Joseph County, Indiana or adjacent Indiana counties who rank below the top 10% of their graduating high school class and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is administered through the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and is available to students attending IU South Bend and Purdue Polytechnic South Bend. Award amounts vary based on the determined need of the chosen applicants and the number of credit hours enrolled. Funds may be used for tuition and fees, books, and parking. IU South Bend students may request additional funds for childcare expenses, and all recipients may apply for additional funding for summer school enrollment. The scholarship is renewable upon successful completion of coursework, requiring recipients to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and complete at least 80% of classes enrolled in. The number of awards granted each year depends on available funds. Applications are accepted twice annually with deadlines of April 1st and November 1st, and applicants must complete the FAFSA to demonstrate financial need.

Donald C. and Marion E. Currier Scholarship

The Donald C. and Marion E. Currier Scholarship is a generous scholarship program for St. Joseph County, Indiana high school graduates pursuing engineering degrees at Purdue University's West Lafayette College of Engineering. This scholarship provides comprehensive financial support including up to full tuition, required fees, an allowance for books, and on-campus housing or an off-campus living allowance. The scholarship is renewable for up to six semesters based on review, allowing students to complete their undergraduate engineering education with substantial financial assistance. Students must complete at least one year at Purdue before applying, with funding commencing in the fall of their sophomore year. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study in any engineering field, with the exception of Engineering Education and programs through the Purdue Polytechnic Institute.

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.

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.