Discover Funding Opportunities

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.

Women's Education Coalition Grant

This multiyear grant helps women who are unemployed or struggling to support themselves and their families. The grant provides financial assistance of $2000+ annually and is renewable each year up to degree or program completion. Established by a coalition of four member organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, YWCA Kalamazoo and the former Kalamazoo Network, this education grant supports women who are underemployed or unemployed and returning to education after at least a three-year break from school. The scholarship is designed to assist recipients in reaching goals of increased financial independence through post-high school education. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the educational institution and may be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

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.

The Montague Myers Scholarship

The Montague Myers Scholarship, established in 1996, honors the legacy of Montague Myers, a Kalamazoo interior designer and member of the American Society of Interior Designers. This fund supports individuals who have faced significant childhood hardships and aspire to further their education, empowering them to overcome their past challenges and pursue their academic and vocational dreams. This is a multiyear scholarship that is eligible to repeat annually up to 4 times. The scholarship provides $1000 or more to support students pursuing various educational paths including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, or vocational/trade certifications. Applicants must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating/graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, demonstrate financial need, and have a history of abuse, abandonment or neglect as a child. The scholarship can be applied to any items under a school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, and other educational expenses.

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.

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.

Nancy C. Niles Donovan Scholarship

The Nancy C. Niles Donovan Scholarship was established in 2003 in honor of Nancy C. Niles Donovan's love of animals. The scholarship is designed to assist students who plan a career in the field of veterinary medicine. This scholarship provides financial assistance to graduate students pursuing veterinary medicine degrees at Michigan State University. It is a one-time, non-renewable award of at least $1,000 that can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Scholarship recipients must be residents of Kalamazoo or St. Joseph Counties in Michigan or have graduated from a high school in these counties. Financial need is a key criterion for selection. The scholarship is administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation as part of their all-in-one scholarship application process, with applications accepted from December 1 through March 1 each year.

Enhancement Ministries Scholarship

The Enhancement Ministries Scholarship was established in 2002 by Dr. V. Yvonne Conner, founder of Enhancement Ministries. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist adults who are making the transition from an unrelated field into a community service profession or, who are seeking additional education or training to help them improve their skills within current community service employment. This scholarship supports residents of Kalamazoo or Calhoun County who demonstrate financial need and have at least five years of employment history after high school. The scholarship is designed for adults pursuing career transitions into community service professions through various educational programs including associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, professional development, or vocational/trade certification. The award amount is $500 or more and is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship that can be applied to any items under the 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.

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.

Kreager Family Scholarship

The Kreager Family Scholarship was established in 2001 by the Kreager family to provide financial assistance to college-bound graduating high school seniors that have suffered the loss of a parent or parents through death or abandonment after infancy. This one-time, non-renewable award of $2,000 or more is designed to support students from Kalamazoo County who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing higher education. The scholarship can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Eligible students may be pursuing associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, or vocational/trade certifications on either a full-time or part-time basis. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the educational institution and distributed evenly between fall and spring semesters. Students must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County or from South Haven High School. Applications are accepted through the all-in-one online application process, with submissions due by March 1 each year, and recipients are notified between April and June, with payments sent to institutions by mid-July through August.

S. Rudolph Light Medical Education Scholarship

The S. Rudolph Light Medical Education Scholarship provides financial assistance to medical students, dental students, and master's of nursing students. This scholarship is designed to support graduate students pursuing healthcare careers who have connections to Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The award is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of at least $2,500 that can be applied to any items under the recipient's school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Eligible applicants must be residents of Kalamazoo County or have graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County, and must demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is part of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's all-in-one application process, with applications opening December 1 and closing March 1 annually.

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.

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.

Woodruff Memorial Scholarship

The Woodruff Memorial Scholarship was established in 1982 by the family of Edmond B. Woodruff and Beth Woodruff Shipman in their memory. This scholarship provides financial assistance of $1,000 or more to current college freshmen pursuing a bachelor's degree on a full-time basis. The scholarship is administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and is designed to support students from Kalamazoo County who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship 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. Payments are sent directly to the recipient's educational institution and are typically distributed evenly between fall and spring semesters. Applications are accepted through an all-in-one online application process from December 1 through March 1 each year, with award notifications sent between April and June, and payments disbursed by mid-July through August.

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.

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.

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.

Coquillard Family Scholarship

The Coquillard Family Scholarship provides financial assistance to students from St. Joseph County who are attending Ivy Tech State College at the South Bend campus. This scholarship is designed to support both full-time and part-time students who are 35 years old or younger. The scholarship may only be used for South Bend campus coursework and helps reduce the financial burden of pursuing higher education at a community college level. Awards are distributed on a semester basis, with amounts varying based on enrollment status. The number of scholarships awarded each year depends on available funds, and interested students must complete the Ivy Tech Scholarship Application by the April 1 deadline.

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.

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.

Willard M. Henkelman, Esq. Scholarship

The Willard M. Henkelman, Esq. Scholarship is a scholarship opportunity administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation for students from Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. This scholarship provides financial support to undergraduate students who have graduated from a high school located in Lackawanna County and are pursuing their education at Princeton University. The scholarship is designed to support local students in accessing education at one of the nation's most prestigious institutions. Recipients must maintain full-time undergraduate enrollment status at Princeton University to be eligible for this award.

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.

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.

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.

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.