Discover Funding Opportunities

William T. Nuyen Scholarship

The William T. Nuyen Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to students planning to pursue a degree in aviation or engineering at Western Michigan University. This multiyear scholarship award of up to $2,000 is renewable annually for up to 2 additional years. The scholarship is administered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and is available to high school seniors and current undergraduate students who are residents of Kalamazoo County or graduated/graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree program in aviation at Western Michigan University. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kalamazoo Science Foundation Scholarship

The Kalamazoo Science Foundation Scholarship was established in 1958 to aid promising Kalamazoo area high school students in degrees in science, mathematics or engineering. This is a multiyear scholarship that renews annually for up to 4 times. The scholarship provides $2000 or more per year and can be applied to any items under your school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Scholarship payments are sent directly to institutions and split evenly between fall and spring semesters. The scholarship is available to both high school seniors entering college and current undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and maintain strong academic performance in STEM fields.

Love Where You Live: Scholarship Fund

The Love Where You Live: Scholarship Fund was established by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation's board of trustees to invest in the educational aspirations of Kalamazoo County residents. The scholarship supports students committed to continuing their education through various degree and certificate programs, including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and vocational/trade certifications. This multiyear scholarship is renewable annually for up to 4 times and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Applicants must be residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating/graduated from a high school within Kalamazoo County and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship is available for both full-time and part-time students, including high school seniors and current undergraduates. Payments are sent directly to the educational institution and split between fall and spring semesters. The application process runs through an all-in-one online application system, with submissions due March 1 annually, notifications from April-June, and payments sent by mid-July to August.

Evelyn Prince Memorial Scholarship

The Evelyn Prince Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Evelyn Prince, an avid golfer and academic achiever. Her love for education and athletics continues to inspire, providing opportunities for young women who share her passion for golf and higher learning. The scholarship was established by friends and family of Prince, an avid golfer who twice participated in the state championships for Kalamazoo Central High School. She was a straight-A student and spent one summer as a congressional page in Washington D.C. This multiyear scholarship supports high school seniors from Kalamazoo County who have participated on their high school golf team and are pursuing a bachelor's degree. The scholarship renews annually for up to 4 years and can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance.

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.

Jerry A. & M. Christine Walker Scholarship

The Jerry A. and M. Christine Walker Scholarship was established in 2019 by Christine Walker to provide financial assistance for Kalamazoo County residents or persons who have graduated from a school within Kalamazoo County. The purpose of the scholarship is to help students reach their goals of increased financial independence through employment. This multiyear award renews annually and provides $1,000 to support students pursuing associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or vocational/trade certification. The scholarship is particularly focused on students whose families have immigrated to the United States and who demonstrate financial need. Recipients can be high school seniors or current undergraduate students attending full-time or part-time.

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.

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.

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.

Roy G. Walters Memorial Scholarship

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

Earl Haas Scholarship

The Earl Haas Scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Earl Haas. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance for Kalamazoo County residents or persons who have graduated from a school within Kalamazoo County. This is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship award that provides at least $1,000 to students pursuing associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, or vocational/trade certifications. The scholarship is open to both high school seniors and current undergraduate students enrolled full-time or part-time. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and have a connection to Kalamazoo County either through residency or having graduated from a high school within the county. 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.

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.

Peter & Inez Schonveld Scholarship

This scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Inez Schonveld to provide scholarship assistance to graduating high school seniors and graduates of the Kalamazoo Public School District. The scholarship provides financial support of $1000 or more as a one-time, non-renewable award to help students pursue their educational goals. Students must demonstrate financial need, determination, and good citizenship. The scholarship can be used for any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. It is open to students pursuing various educational paths including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, and vocational/trade certifications at any institution. Both full-time and part-time enrollment is acceptable.

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.

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.

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.

Curtis & Dorothy Young Scholarship

Duane Young, a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and Michigan State University as well as a professional football player, established this fund in 1994 to provide scholarship assistance to student athletes who have the desire and the skills necessary to participate in athletics while attending a college/university. This scholarship supports high school seniors who are residents of Kalamazoo County or graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and have participated in high school varsity sports with the possibility of continuing participation in college. The scholarship provides up to $1,000 as a one-time, non-renewable award that can be applied to any items under the school's cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, and health insurance. Applications are submitted through an all-in-one online application system, with submissions due by March 1 each year. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student's institution, typically by mid-July through August.

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.

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.

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.

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.