63% scholarship recipients are first-generation college students.
We recognize that students who are first in their family to attend college have an extra challenging road. We're committed to helping in every way we can.
SCHOLARSHIPS
$1 Million Annually for Students in Kent County
Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. We know, however, that many people who could most benefit from education after high school are not able to afford it. Our need-based scholarships are here to give students a boost on their path to higher education.
Since 1945, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has been a major scholarship provider in Kent County, awarding more than $1 million every year to hundreds of students pursuing a higher education.
Hundreds of Scholarships for Kent County Students
General Application
Scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are now closed. The application for the 2022-2023 academic year will open December 1, 2021.
Applying for scholarships has never been so easy. By completing just one online application, you'll automatically be considered for more than 70 need-based scholarship funds. We have scholarships available for students with a wide variety of backgrounds, GPA's, areas of study and levels of education.
Additional Scholarships
In addition to our general scholarship application, there are many additional scholarships available to students based on specific criteria such as attending a certain school, pursuing a specific major, being affiliated with an employer such as Meijer, and many more. These additional scholarships require supplemental applications.
"It was significant and symbolic to receive the Community Foundation scholarship—knowing that someone outside my family valued and affirmed my dreams. It was the support I needed. I felt like the Community Foundation was there with me every step of the way. To me, that's what a family is like."
Increasing Opportunity Since 1945
Our Scholarships at a Glance
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50% scholarships awarded to students of color
Equity matters here, and we're proud to create an inclusive environment where all students have an equitable opportunity to succeed.
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14,819 scholarships awarded since 1945
With more than 80 scholarship funds, this number keeps growing every year!
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$1.16 Million Awarded in Scholarships this Year
We've doubled the total dollars awarded annually in the last decade. That means more students in Kent County can achieve post-secondary educational success. Are you next?
Challenge Scholars
Surrounding Students with Support
In addition to our traditional scholarship program, Challenge Scholars is an initiative of Grand Rapids Community Foundation in partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools that is increasing educational opportunities for students in the classes of 2020 – 2028 on the West Side.