Our Scholarships & Awards

Scholarships are one way the Community Foundation supports increased educational attainment.

We award scholarships each year to high school students, current college students, medical school students, and adult students. The online application system is also used for scholarships from Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola county community foundations.

High school students

• Students in this group live in or attend a high school in Newaygo County, Lake County, Mecosta County, or Osceola County
• Some scholarships are also available to students attending Holton High School, Kent City High School, Ravenna High School, and Tri County High School
• Students should apply for scholarships with their senior class cohort, not their 13th year
• View our scholarships
• Application open from January 1 to March 1.

Timeline

If awarded a scholarship, funds may be used for the following items, in most cases:

• Cost of attendance at a college or university (this includes expenses related to certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees)
• Trade school
• Apprenticeship (employer or labor union sponsored) expenses (safety boots, safety clothing, required tools/equipment, etc.)
• Other education programs like CDL training, cosmetology training, nurses aid training, etc.

High school students going directly into the workforce

• Students in this group live in or attend a high school in Newaygo County
• We offer the following scholarships to students going directly into the workforce after high school:
  • The Hair Station Scholarship Fund will be awarded to students working towards their cosmetology state certification at Newaygo County Career-Tech Center. Application open January 1 to March 1.
  • The Cathy and Larry Kissinger Fund will reimburse students for eligible academic and career expenses. For example: the purchase of field-specific footwear and/or uniforms, tools, and state certification fees. Application open year-round. Apply now
  • The Brianna Joy Nelson Scholarship will reimburse students for eligible academic and career expenses. For example: the purchase of field-specific footwear and/or uniforms, tools, and state certification fees. Application open year-round. Apply now

Current college students

We offer several scholarships to current college students who belong to one of the following groups:

• Current college/university students who attended a high school or homeschool in Newaygo County, Mecosta County, or Osceola County
• Current college/university students residing in Newaygo County, Mecosta County, or Osceola County
• Current students of Ferris State University
• Application open from January 1 to March 1.

Medical school students

• Students in this group live in Newaygo County or graduated from a Newaygo County high school and have been accepted into an accredited medical school
• Application open from January 1 to March 1.

Adult students

• Students in this group are adults who live in Newaygo County or a Newaygo County-based school district. They have typically been out of high school for two years and/or have a gap in their post-secondary education.
• Am I an adult student? Find out more
• Applications will be approved/denied by the last day of the month following submission (i.e. June applications will be approved/denied by July 31)
• Application open year-round. Apply now

Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship

• Is intended for recent graduates or returning professionals that plan to reside in Newaygo County or a Newaygo County school district (e.g., Fremont, Grant, Hesperia, Newaygo, or White Cloud public school districts)
• Are employed or have a legitimate offer to be employed in Newaygo County
• Awards will be a maximum of $15,000 to be paid out on a quarterly basis over three years and can be used for student loan repayment, moving expenses, down payment on a home, or other expenses related to making Newaygo County home
• If awarded a Make Newaygo County Home Scholarship, funds will be taxable and the Community Foundation will issue a 1099
• Am I eligible? Find out more
• This is a competitive process and available funding is limited. The application will remain open until funds are depleted.
• To apply, please contact Robin Cowles at 231.924.5350 or rcowles@facommunityfoundation.org

Newaygo County Individual Training Scholarship

• Is intended for individuals who are residents of Newaygo County or a Newaygo County school district and currently employed in Newaygo County or a Newaygo County school district (e.g., Fremont, Grant, Hesperia, Newaygo, or White Cloud public school districts)
• Funds are available for career training, not degree attainment
• Training must be provided by a third party, not by your employer
• Am I eligible? Find out more
• Applications will be approved/denied by the last day of the month following submission (i.e. June applications will be approved/denied by July 31)
• Application open year-round. To apply, please contact Robin Cowles at 231.924.5350 or rcowles@facommunityfoundation.org

Ready2Work Award and Graduation Award

• People who received a scholarship from the Community Foundation from May 2010 to present and have earned a higher education degree, certificate, or credential may be eligible for one of two cash awards from the Community Foundation.
• Am I eligible? Find out more
• Applications will be approved/denied by the last day of the month following submission (i.e. June applications will be approved/denied by July 31)
• You must have earned your degree/credential within one year of applying for either award. A copy of the certificate or diploma will be required in your application.
• Application open year-round. Apply now