The application due date is March 1 for Kalamazoo Community Foundation scholarships for graduating high school seniors, students already attending college and non-traditional students.
Community Foundation scholarships have a variety of eligibility criteria with awards ranging from $250 to $7,500. The competitive scholarships are based on merit and/or financial need.
For the most part, applicants must be a Kalamazoo County resident or graduating or graduated from a Kalamazoo County high school (public, private, alternative or home school).
Scholarships address a variety student needs and strengths. A few of the Community Foundation's more unique scholarships include the:
- Wade and Clio Van Valkenburg Scholarship for a Kalamazoo County resident who has a previous criminal conviction and financial need, and is pursuing a four-year degree or vocational/technical training as a full- or part-time student.
- Weber Specialities Company Scholarship for a graduating high school senior or graduate seeking full- or part-time enrollment in pursuit of a certificate or two- or four-year degree in a manufacturing curriculum, such as manufacturing technology or manufacturing engineering.
- Montague Myers Scholarship for a Kalamazoo County graduating high school senior or graduate (residents who have earned their GED and residents of Lakeside Academy also are eligible) with financial need, who is seeking full- or part-time enrollment in pursuit of a two- or four-year degree or vocational training and was abused, abandoned or neglect as a child. This scholarship is renewable.
- Ronald C. Cavanaugh Memorial Scholarship for an incoming college junior, senior or fifth-year senior enrolled full time in the Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business with a 2.5 to 3.5 GPA.
"Our scholarship program is an important part of the Community Foundation's work," says Nancy Timmons, scholarship manager. "We believe education is key toward fulfilling our vision of a community where every person can reach full potential."
Applications for Community Foundation scholarships are completed online. However, paper applications are available for those who do not have access to a computer. Those who don't have computer access may also make an appointment to use a computer at the Community Foundation to complete the application online. Appointments can be made by calling 269.381.4416 or emailing scholarships@kalfound.org.
In 2016 the Community Foundation awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to 334 Kalamazoo area students, bringing the total of scholarships awarded since 1925 to more than $27 million.
