The Grand Rapids Community Foundation recently awarded 531 college scholarships, totaling $507,100. The Community Foundation’s selection committees processed and reviewed 2,188 applications. These scholarships will aid in educational endeavors of students pursuing a broad range of majors. Included in mix are 158 scholarships for students majoring in aeronautics, computer/IT, engineering, healthcare, and science.
- Of the 531 scholarships, $50,000 of scholarships went to Grand Rapids Public School graduates.
- Females represent 66% of the award recipients and 34% were male.
- Students attending Michigan colleges received 88% of all awards.
- Minority students received 22% of the awards
Scholarships come from a variety of sources including individuals, families, companies, groups and associations. Some are very specific about the criteria for award, others are more broad. All scholarships are endowed at the Community Foundation, among those funds that made awards this year are:
- The Black Men Building Resources Fund that awarded 21 scholarships, totaling $12,500. This scholarship is available to African American students in Kent County who are pursuing a degree or license in an occupational or skilled trade at a college of their choice.
- The Vivian Kommer Scholarship Fund awarded one $5,000 scholarship. This scholarship is available to a West Catholic High School graduates who intend to study law or business.
- The Patricia & Armen Oumedien Engineering Scholarship awarded 12 scholarships totaling $12,000. This scholarship is available for residents of Kent, Muskegon, or Ottawa counties, who are pursuing studies in the field of engineering at Kettering University
- The Donald M. Wells Scholarship Fund awarded three scholarships, totaling $6,000. This scholarship is available for students from Grand Rapids Central High School pursuing undergraduate studies at Grand Rapids Community College, the University of Michigan or the University of Chicago.
- The Elmo Wierenga Ottawa Hills Alumni Scholarship awarded 13 scholarships, totaling $23,000. This scholarship is available for seniors graduating from Ottawa Hills High School to pursue full-time undergraduate studies.
Michigan colleges and universities receiving funds of behalf of students include:
| College/University: | Amount: |
|---|---|
| Grand Valley State University | $81,150 |
| Michigan State University | $64,300 |
| Grand Rapids Community College | $29,250 |
| University of Michigan | $50,550 |
| Western Michigan University | $20,350 |
| Calvin College | $29,300 |
| Cornerstone University | $22,900 |
| Aquinas College | $23,800 |
| Davenport University | $15,000 |
| Central Michigan University | $22,800 |
| Kettering University | $16,200 |