Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship
The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship will ensure all eligible students who live within the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of the 24 public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city limits of Grand Rapids will have free access to Grand Rapids Community College’s Associate’s Degree programs or their job training and certification programs – starting with the graduating class of 2020!
For more information, please visit grpromisezone.com (link is external).
Aquinas College
Admitted and qualified candidates for Fall 2021 are invited to compete in the 28th annual Spectrum Scholarship Competition. Out of an abundance of caution, this year's competition will take place virtually. Students can choose from one of three dates (Nov. 21, Dec. 5 or Feb. 6) to compete for a Spectrum Scholarship, including five full-tuition awards. All applicants will be automatically considered for competition eligibility. For more information, visit aquinas.edu/spectrumcompetition (link is external) or call (616) 632-2900.
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria is hosting their annual Fall Fest on Saturday, October 10, 2020, to educate juniors and seniors about the generous scholarship opportunities for Ave Mara University. This event is free, but registration is necessary to attend. Please click HERE for registration and more information.
GREAT CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY, ESCONDIDO, CA
Click HERE (link is external) for scholarship information
The following scholarships are offered by organizations, not individual colleges/universities. Make sure to check the organization's website for the most up-to-date information regarding deadlines and application requirements.
Deadline: March 19, 2021
Info/Apply: Scholarship Flyer
Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors who served as AAA School Safety Patrol members in Michigan. Students must submit documentation of AAA School Safety Patrol participation, good academic standing and a strong record of participation in the community and extracurricular activities. For more information on the AAA School Safety Patrol, click HERE (link is external).
afs Family Stipend
Deadline: February 15, 2021
Info/Apply: westmichiganafs.com/wp-content/uploads/AFSFamilyStipend-2020.pdf (link is external)
The West Michigan Chapter of the American Foundry Society believes it is essential that we support the members of our industry as well as help continue the growth and education of our upcoming generation. As a result, the AFS Family Stipend is set up to allow any AFS Member to sponsor a young person, looking to continue their education and improve themselves, who the member believes is deserving. While the intention is for the individual sponsored to normally be a son or a daughter, we acknowledge in today's society that definition can be relative. These stipends are awarded on a competitive basis based on available funds. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.
DJ Campbell Scholarship
Deadline: February 15, 2021
Info/Apply: westmichiganafs.com/wp-content/uploads/DJCampbell2019-2020.pdf (link is external)
The future of the cast metal industry resides in the skill and know-how of its people. Recognizing the challenge of keeping our industry at the forefront of sustained technical advancements, the Western Michigan Chapter of AFS developed the DJ Campbell Scholarship to improve and advance the metal casting industry. This scholarship will be awarded annually or semi-annually to support worthy candidates that wish to further their careers in the metal casting industry through higher education.
MCC Materials Technology Stipend
Deadline: February 15, 2021
Info/Apply: westmichiganafs.com/wp-content/uploads/MCC-2020.pdf (link is external)
The WM Chapter of AFS awards stipends to interested and qualified individuals who reside in the West Michigan area and pursuing a degree program in materials-related fields of study at Muskegon Community College or other accredited colleges. The amount awarded varies (typically between $250 and $750 per student, per year).
STEM Stipend
Deadline: February 15, 2021
Info/Apply: westmichiganafs.com/wp-content/uploads/AFSStipendApp-STEM-2020.pdf (link is external)
The West Michigan Chapter of AFS awards stipends to students who will be pursuing degrees in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fields (S.T.E.M.). Amounts are determined annually but typically range from $250-$500 per student per year.
Deadline: October 31, 2020
Info/Apply: coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the 32nd class in 2020, the Foundation has provided over 6,300 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $72 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.
Deadline: Monthly Awards
Info/Apply: opportunity.collegeboard.org
The College Board has launched a new scholarship program with $5 million of scholarships each year. The more effort you put in, the more opportunities you have to earn a scholarship. Class of 2021 students, complete five of the six actions on the College Board to be eligible to earn $40,000:
- Build Your College List ($500)
- Practice for the SAT ($1,000)
- Improve Your Score ($2,000)
- Strengthen Your College List ($500)
- Complete the FAFSA ($1,000)
- Apply to Colleges ($1,000)
Scholarships will be awarded through monthly drawings to students who complete each action.
Deadline: January 31, 2021
Info/Apply: dar.org/national-society/scholarships
Each year the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) awards multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education in diverse areas of study including history, economics, law, political science, medicine, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, elementary and secondary education, chemistry, math, science and English.
Deadline: Varies by Scholarship
Info/Apply: edumed.org/online-schools/health-science-degrees/scholarships-and-resources/
Looking to fund your health science degree with money you don't have to pay back? See the scholarships EduMed provides that could help you tackle your tuition while minimizing your loans.
Deadline: February 5, 2021
Info/Apply: elks.org/scholars/scholarships/Legacy.cfm
Legacy Awards are $4,000 scholarships available to children and grandchildren of Elks members.
Deadline: November 15, 2020
Info/Apply: elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm
The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2021 competition.
Ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.
Deadline: January 5, 2021
Info/Apply: reaganfoundation.org/education/scholarship-programs/ge-reagan-foundation-scholarship-program/
Honoring the legacy and character of our nation’s 40th President, the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education.
Each year, the Program selects numerous recipients to receive a $10,000 scholarship renewable for up to an additional three years – up to $40,000 total per recipient. Awards are for undergraduate study and may be used for education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, and board. In addition, Scholars are invited to participate in a special awards program and receive ongoing leadership-development support.
Deadline: Varies
Info/Apply: scholars.horatioalger.org/horatio-alger-scholarship-applications/
The Horatio Alger Association has multiple scholarship programs available to students. Please visit their website for more information.
Deadline: October 30, 2020
Info/Apply: jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/
The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's best four-year colleges and universities.
Deadline: April 30, 2021
Info/Apply: mccormickmurphy.com/#scholarship (link is external)
This scholarship is a one-time award worth $500 to be awarded the fall semester of 2021. Applicants must plan to attend college by fall semester 2021. This scholarship is judged and awarded primarily on merit and need
Deadline: November 10, 2020
Info/Apply: spirit.prudential.com/apply/2021 (link is external)
Are you a middle level or high school student making a difference through volunteering? Apply today for national recognition, a scholarship and an invitation to the program's national recognition events!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honors students in grades 5-12 for making meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service.
Scholarships for kids who have experienced loss: Kids’ Chance of America represents 48 state-level nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships to children of workers who have been seriously or fatally injured on the job. Since its founding in 1988, Kids’ Chance organizations have awarded more than $27 million in scholarships. If any of your students may be eligible, consider sharing their information with the organization's Planning for the Future initiative. Kids' Chance will connect these students to the appropriate Kids’ Chance state organization to begin the scholarship application process. https://www.kidschance.org/planning-for-the-future/
The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers/Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, offers several scholarships for students who want to share their experience with grief through visual art or creative writing. Sponsored by the New York Life Foundation, the program offers $1,000 scholarships to six students whose works explore personal grief and loss. State scholarships of $500 are available to two students from each of the following states: Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey and New Mexico. https://www.artandwriting.org/classroom-guides/#healing
Deadline: January 31, 2021
Info/Apply: LMCU.org/Hutt (link is external)
$2000 scholarship opportunity for any high school senior who plans on enrolling in college, a university, trade school, or other form of higher education in the next academic school year. Applicants must be residents of Michigan or Florida, or a member of Lake Michigan Credit Union, or the child of a member.
Deadline: Opens December 15-March 31
Info/Apply: aises.org/students/scholarships (link is external)
AISES is a national, nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations, and other Indigenous peoples of North America in STEM studies and careers. Scholarships are merit based and range from $1,000 to 10,000 an academic year and are available at the college and graduate level.
Deadline: February 1, 2021
Info/Apply: jackierobinson.org (link is external)
The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides a multi-faceted experience designed to not only address the financial needs of minority students who aspire to attend college but also to guide them through the process of higher education.
Deadline: March 1, 2021
Info/Apply: grfoundation.org
There are many scholarships available locally for students in Western Michigan. Please note one specific scholarship is the Vivian Kommer Scholarship. It is awarded to a West Catholic student going into business or pre-law. The great thing about the general scholarships is that it is like the Common App of scholarships. You can apply for numerous scholarships with just one application!
Deadline: February 26, 2021
Info/Apply: rogerbchaffeescholarship.org (link is external)
The Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship Fund is pleased to offer a $3,000 scholarship to an outstanding senior from a Kent ISD high school who intends to pursue a college career in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences relating to space technology!
Deadline: December 31, 2020
Info/Apply: ufpbusinessschool.com (link is external) (link is external)
This is an opportunity for seniors or past graduates. The UFP Degree Program is a two-year program that combines academic courses with hands-on real-world work experience at UFP Industries. The curriculum is modeled after traditional 2 and 4 year business degree programs. Courses are taught by UFP professional staff who are experts in their fields. At the successful completion of the program, graduates will be considered for positions the same as applicants with a four-year degree.
UFP provides a full scholarship that underwrites all program costs, so students won’t finish with any loan debt.
UFP is currently recruiting for next year’s Fall 2021 class. The early admission deadline is December 31, 2020. Space is limited. There is no minimum GPA or ACT/SAT requirement . All students are selected using an individualized admissions process that only requires a high school diploma or GED. More information about UFP at www.UFPI.com
Deadline: February 15, 2021
Info/Apply: alzfdn.org (link is external)
AFA’s Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest is an annual competition for college-bound high school seniors. Applicants are asked to write a 1,200 to 1,500-word essay that describes the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on themselves, their families or their communities, and what they have learned in light of coping with the brain disorder. The grand prize winner receives $5,000, with additional prizes awarded for runners up.
Deadline: March 2, 2021
Info/Apply: Rosa Parks Scholarship Application (link is external) (link is external)
This is a $2,000 scholarship open to all Michigan high seniors.
Deadline: March 2, 2021
Info/Apply: mcfs.org (link is external)
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the Nation's oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children.
Deadline: February 15, 2021
Info/Apply: newmansoc.org/essaycontest (link is external) (link is external)
The Cardinal Newman Society offers and Essay Scholarship Contest exclusively for high school seniors. The winnre will be awarded $5,000 toward the cost of attending one of the institutions recommended in the Newman Guide.
Deadline: February 2, 2021
Info/Apply: university club of gr (link is external) (link is external)
The University Club of Grand Rapids Scholarship Foundation has been established for individuals who intend to build, support, and serve the West Michigan community after college graduation. Applicants may attend any college or accredited vocational school; in-state, out-of-state, 2-year or 4 -year program. Please visit the website for application and additional information.
Deadline: March 12, 2021
Info/Apply: Lake Trust Foundation.org (link is external) (link is external)
The New Beginnings Scholarship is available for up to six individuals who are interested in pursuing a skilled trade or technical career. Each New Beginnings Scholarship is worth up to $5,000 each. Funds can be used for tuition toward a career technical education program or trade school in Michigan, tools for a trade, professional fees, or dues.
The Michigan Impact Scholarship is in partnership with Cleary University. These five full-tuition scholarships can be used for any on-campus or online program at Cleary University for both graduate and undergraduate degrees. People who are interested in joining the Michigan workforce after graduation and who are committed to encouraging economic growth in our state should consider applying for this opportunity.
Deadline: April 15, 2021
Info/Apply: Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship (link is external) (link is external)
The Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship is sponsored by the Regional Math and Science Center at Grand Valley State University. This is a named scholarship in honor of Mary Jane Dockeray, founding curator of the Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids. Each year, the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors from public or private schools in the Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Intermediate School Districts with an interest in pursuing a career in science. Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded this year to graduating seniors who plan to pursue a career in science.
Deadline: April 1, 2021
Info/Apply: Michigan Retailers Association (link is external) (link is external)
The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) will be awarding 26 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. To be eligible, the student or his/her parent must be employed at a business that is a member of MRA. Applications are online.
The following scholarships are exclusively offered to West Catholic graduating seniors unless otherwise noted:
Scholarship Criteria:
This scholarship is open to graduating seniors at West Catholic and Catholic Central who will be attending a 2- or 4-year college.
- Financial need will be a primary consideration for this scholarship.
- Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Applicants must have completed a minimum of 20 hours of community service.
- Applicants must have demonstrated a respect for authority, obeyed school rules and maintained a high attendance record during high school.
To Apply:
- Applicants must submit a completed scholarship application.
- Applicants must have completed FAFSA.
- A report card verifying a minimum GPA of 3.0 must be included.
- Documentation of community service must be included.
- Applicants must submit a two-page essay explaining how the Catholic education they received at West Catholic High School has prepared them for college and the secular world they will encounter.