$1.47 Million in Scholarships
This year, deserving students received $1.47 million to pursue higher education.
Our Approach to Education Impact
Post-secondary education opens doors to careers and contributes to a stronger West Michigan. The Community Foundation is dedicated to creating an education system where a student’s race, ethnicity or first-generation status doesn't determine their ability to succeed. Through scholarships, grantmaking, advocacy and partnerships we strive to provide all students the opportunities they deserve.
About our efforts
This year, deserving students received $1.47 million to pursue higher education.
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.
Through the years
Our work has grown and adapted since awarding our first scholarships in 1945.
With an emphasis on grants issued toward education, the Foundation issues its largest grant to date: $50,000 to establish Grand Valley State College.
The Community Foundation participates in efforts that led to launching Kent Schools Services (KSSN), which began as a pilot program to support families and students in Kent County.
To increase the number of low-income, first-generation students who successfully earn a degree or vocational certificate, the Community Foundation launches Challenge Scholars.
An advisory committee guides the Community Foundation's future direction, focusing on amplifying community voice through resourcing community-led advocacy and grantmaking, and by making post-secondary education more affordable for students.
A partnership with Urban Core Collective supports the Kent County Education Justice Initiative, which develops grassroots leaders and structures that support those leaders to hold education systems accountable to their constituencies.
Our feature program
For students in the graduating classes of 2020 through 2028 at Union High School, Challenge Scholars offers a way to cover the costs of education after high school. These students are attending colleges and universities across the state, and their experiences are shaping the future of our work.
Development Director
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Major and Planned Gifts Director
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