Grand Rapids Scholarship Opportunities

education calculatorGrand Rapids is home to some of the best education opportunities in the nation. Unfortunately, quality education isn’t cheap but there are countless chances for scholarships that Grand Rapids residents can take advantage of.

To help make your search easier, we’ve made a list of over 80 scholarships and grants funded for West Michigan residents with information on requirements, how to apply and awarded value.

Please let us know in the comments section if there are other local scholarships not on our list and we'll do our best to keep it updated.

  1. Alan R. Ryan Scholarship for Catholic High School Education$500-$3,0000

Student must be an 8th grader at a school in Kent County and will be entering 9th grade at Catholic Central of West Catholic High School. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have some financial need. Applicants should also express interesting in attending Aquinas College.

  1. Alto Precision in Honor of Willis M. Clark Scholarship$1,800

Student should be an alumnus of South Christian High School and in their freshman year at Calvin College. Applicant should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and pursuing a degree in engineering or sciences (chemistry or biology).

  1. American Institute of Architecture Grand Rapids Scholarship$1,000

Applicant must be a resident of West Michigan and be enrolled in their junior or senior year of an accredited architecture program.

  1. Amway Free Enterprise ScholarshipVaries

Scholarship is awarded to college sophomores, juniors or seniors from Michigan that are majoring in finance, supply chain management, PR, engineering or R & D with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  1. Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Minority Scholarship$500-$5,000

Applicants should be African American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American or Pacific Islander to apply. Student should be attending a non-profit public or private college/university and pursuing a degree in Fine Arts. Applicant must also be a Kent County resident, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need.

  1. Athena Scholarship$1,500

"Scholarship given to women over the age of 30 who are completing their education, and can be used for whatever will help in that process. Applicant must be 30 years or older, plan to continue education at a Grand Rapids area accredited 4-year, 2-year, technical, vocational program or graduate program and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

  1. Audrey L. Wright Scholarship$500-$3,000

Student who has been a resident of Kent County and is enrolled in a full-time undergraduate foreign language or education program. Student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  1. Black Men Building Resources Scholarship$500-$3,000

Applicant must be an African American male or female with financial need and has received a GED from a Grand Rapids area high school during the year they apply. Applicant must also send high school transcript, ACT/SAT scores and a one page essay.

  1. Bob Tomko Scholarship$1,000

Scholarship is awarded to a Forest Hills Central senior student who has preferably wrestled for four years and is a dependable team player and has devotion to friends, family and the community.

  1. Bon Appetit ScholarshipVaries

Scholarship will be awarded to a junior level student that has an interest in sustainability studies. Applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  1. Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Grand Rapids Scholarship$1,000

Scholarship will be awarded to a full-time undergraduate student who is pursuing a degree in business, economics, or real estate who have an interest in a real estate career.

  1. Camilla C. Johnson Scholarship$500-$3,000

Scholarship is awarded to Union High School senior with a minimum GPA of 2.6 and participated in school activities outside of academia. Can be attending school of choice.

  1. Charles Anderson Memorial Scholarship$4,000

Scholarship will be awarded to a community oriented citizen who is able to demonstrate both academic excellence and qualities of character, integrity and the ability to create feelings of goodwill between students and faculty.

  1. Chris Wietke Memorial Scholarship$1,000

Awarded to a FHN graduating senior who demonstrates financial need. Student will be given preference if he or she is pursuing a career in education, participated in extracurricular activities and will be used by the recipient for tuition, books and fee at college of choice.

  1. Chrysler Foundation Minority Scholarship$2,500

Scholarship will be awarded to a student who is pursuing a major in business, engineering, finance, supply chain management, information technology, human resources or marketing and communication. Applicant should be a minority student with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  1. Clarence and Grace Chamberlin Endowed ScholarshipVaries

Will be awarded to a student who demonstrates financial need and attends an accredited Michigan college. Direct inquiry should go through the financial aid office of the MCF.

  1. Comspec International Inc. Scholarship$1,000

Scholarship will be awarded to a junior or senior in an accredited college. Applicant must be Michigan resident pursuing marketing with a focus in internet marketing.

  1. Craig Ewing Silver Lining Scholarship$1,000

This scholarship is in memory of Craig Ewing who was passionate about helping others, aviation and helping others. Scholarship will be awarded to student who shows the drive to succeed and has a positive attitude and a resilient spirit. Student should be dedicated to pursuing a career in business or aviation.

  1. Darooge Family Scholarship$500-$3,000

Student should be a high school senior who is a resident of Kent County and planning on pursuing an undergraduate degree in a construction related field at an accredited two year or four year college in Michigan. The applicant should demonstrate some financial need.

  1. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. ScholarshipVaries

Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and a senior graduating from a Kent County or Ottawa County high school with a GPA of 2.5 or better and going to be attending a 2 or 4 year college, university or vocational institution.

  1. Diane Wisniewski Memorial Scholarship$500

Student must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 at the end of 7th semester and intend to pursue a career in education. Student should also have high integrity, involvement in extracurricular activities, and dedication to others.

  1. Donald M. Wells Scholarship$500-$3,000

Student should be a senior at or an alumnus of Central High School in Grand Rapids that will be pursuing undergraduate studies at GRCC, University of Chicago or University of Michigan. Applicant should demonstrate some financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

  1. Dorothy B. & Charles E. Thomas Scholarship$500-$3,000

Student should be a Kent County resident for at least three years and plan on attending Aquinas, Calvin, Cornerstone, Davenport, GRCC, GVSU, or Kendall. Applicant should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate some financial need.

  1. Dr. Patricia E. Newby Close Up Scholarship Fund$500-$3,000

Student should be enrolled at a Grand Rapids Public School and planning to attend the Close Up program in Washington or its international affiliation. Applicant must be accepted into the program, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate some financial need and have at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher.

  1. Economic Club of Grand Rapids Scholarship$500-$3,000

Student should be a full-time second year or above undergrad student that is pursuing a degree in Business and plans to study abroad through a public university or college. Applicant must be a resident of the following counties: Kent, Ottawa, Allegan or Muskegon. Applicant can also be a resident at a public university in the West Michigan area. Must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  1. Edwin E. Doyle Scholarship$500-$3,000

Applicant must be a high school senior at Lowell High School with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have some financial need.

  1. Elmo Wiernga Alumni Scholarship$1,000

Student must be a senior enrolled at Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids that plans on pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at any two or four year accredited university in the U.S. Applicant should demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

  1. Englehardt Scholarship$500-$3,000

Student must be attending Lowell High School or any public, private, charter, or home-based school and reside in the city of Lowell or Vergennes Township. Applicant must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA, have financial need and will be a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited school.

  1. Ervin Rose Memorial Scholarship – Varies

Awarded to Michigan residents who are students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and show attributes of becoming a good citizen.

  1. Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship $2,500

Student must be a Meijer Team Member or a child of a Meijer Team Member who has been employed for a minimum of one year by the time of application deadline.

  1. Gerald M. Crane Music Award Scholarship$500-$3,000

Student is a full-time theatre arts major at an accredited college/university with experience at a local community theatre. Must have three letters of recommendation and financial need.

  1. Gerald R. Ford Memorial Scholarship$1,000

Student must be planning to enroll at Davenport University's Grand Rapids campus to pursue a business, health or technology degree. Applicant must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.75 and an ACT score of 31.

  1. Gladys A. Snauble Scholarship$1,000

Student should be a graduating senior from Cedar Spring High School in Grand Rapids planning on enrolling at a university in the fall. Student should have a record of academic excellence, extracurricular activities, a personal statement as well as demonstrate some financial need.

  1. Grand Rapids Bar Association Legal Assistant Section Scholarship$1,000

Students must be enrolled full time at Davenport University, Ferris State University or Grand Valley State University and majoring in legal studies or paralegal studies. Student must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must send in transcript of most recent attended school, one letter of recommendation and a two page essay.

  1. Grand Rapids Builders Exchange ScholarshipTuition

Scholarship will be awarded to a Grand Rapids area resident who is attending full-time or part-time at Grand Valley. Applicant should be seeking a career in the construction industry.

  1. Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarship$1,000

Scholarship is awarded to Grand Rapids students who are enrolled in a full-time accredited college, university or training program who have showed interest and participated in theatrical productions in any Grand Rapids-area high school, college or community theatre. Applicants must be majoring in theatre arts, have U.S. residency and have financial need.

  1. Grand Rapids Community Foundation Local College Scholarship – Varies

Student must be attending one of the following local colleges: Aquinas College-Michigan, Calvin College, Cornerstone University, Davenport University-Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Kendall College of Art and Design. Applicant must be a resident of Kent County, demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  1. Grand Rapids Community Foundation Scholarship – Varies

Student must be enrolled at Calvin College and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicant must also demonstrate financial need and be a resident of Kent County.

  1. Grand Rapids Scholarship Association – Varies

Applicant should be a Kent County resident for at least 3 years and plan on pursuing an undergraduate degree from one of the following Grand Rapids schools: Aquinas, Calvin, Cornerstone, Davenport, GRCC, GVSU or Kendall. Student should have a minimum of 3.0 GPA and demonstrate some financial need.

  1. Guy D. & Mary Edith Halladay Graduate Scholarship$500-$3,000

Scholarship will be awarded to a full-time student in an accredited undergraduate program in Michigan. Applicant should have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  1. Guy M. Wilson/William D. & Jewell Brewer Scholarship$500

Scholarship is a one-time award to a student with a minimum GP of 2.5 for undergraduate use at a Michigan college. Applicant must a Michigan resident and the son or daughter of a veteran (living or deceased).

  1. Hackett Family Scholarship$1,000

Student must be a senior or alum from any Grand Rapids Public high school and plan on pursuing an undergraduate degree from any accredited college/university or skilled trade school of choice. Preference will be given to women of color.

  1. Harry J. and Lucille B. Brown Scholarship$500-$2,500

Student should be a resident of any of the following counties: Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, Muskegon or Newaygo and pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited university in Michigan in the field of emergency medical technician, paramedic, or firefighter training. Applicant should have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate some financial need.

  1. J. Herman and N. Lucile Fles Family Scholarship$2,400

Applicant should be a junior or senior at Calvin and pursuing a degree in business or business administration and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference will be given to graduates of Grand Rapids Christian High School.

  1. Jack Family Scholarship$500-$3,000

Student must be a resident of Kent County for at least three years. Applicant should also demonstrate some financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  1. Jacob R. & Mary M. VanLoo & Lenore K. VanLoo Scholarship$1,000

Student should be a resident of Kent County and plan on attending either Grand Rapids Community College or Grand Valley State University. Applicant should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.

  1. Jandernoa Talent Innovation Scholarship – Varies

Scholarship is awarded to junior and senior students from Grand Rapids or West Michigan who demonstrate interest and innovation in entrepreneurship.

  1. John T. & Frances J. Maghielse Scholarship for Education Majors$1,500-$2,500

Student should be a former graduate from Central, City, Creston, Ottawa Hills or Union High school that's currently enrolled in an accredited Michigan Public of Private College/University with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicant should be a Kent County resident and demonstrate financial need.

  1. Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship$1,000

Student should be enrolled in a full-time or part-time program at a college or university in the United States that provides an accredited flight science curriculum. Applicant must be a U.S. resident, have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and pursuing studies in aviation, aviation management or aviation safety. A valid pilot’s certificate and letter of recommendation from a professional in the aviation field is required.

  1. Keith C. VanderHyde Scholarship$1,000

Student must be a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids that plans on pursuing a   full-time undergraduate degree. Applicant must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  1. Kent Medical Foundation Tuition Grants$500

Scholarships will be given to graduating seniors from five local colleges or universities in Kent County. Applicant should be pursuing a career in the allied health sciences.

  1. Kentwood Women's Club Scholarship$750-$1,000

Applicant should be a female senior at South Christian High School or Kentwood High School. Student should show academic excellence, community involvement, and extracurricular activity involvement and be a resident of the City of Kentwood.

  1. Lisa Verbrugge Memorial Scholarship$2,500

Awarded to a graduating student of FHN that participated in at least one extracurricular activity during each year of high school, demonstrated high levels or moral integrity and has volunteered in both the student life and church and/or community life.

  1. Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship$1,500

Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Foundation, this scholarship will be awarded to a student at the undergraduate or graduate level pursuing a degree in music with a focus in violin, viola, violoncello or the bass violin.

  1. Martin Luther King Inherit the Dream Scholarship $1,000

Students that are incoming freshmen, incoming transfer students or a new adult student may apply. Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be enrolled full-time at Davenport's Grand Rapids campus.

  1. Mary Maybury Berkery Trust ScholarshipVaries

Scholarship will be awarded to a female student who is attending a MCA member Catholic college or university.

  1. Mathilda Gallmeyer Scholarship$750

Applicant should be a Kent County resident for at least 5 years and have received awards for artistic recognition and demonstrate artistic talent. Student should demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.75.

  1. Melbourne and Alice E. Frontjes ScholarshipVaries

Student has to be a Kent County resident for at least 3 years and pursuing an undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University, West Michigan University, GRCC, University of Michigan or Michigan State University. Applicant should demonstrate some financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.75.

  1. Michael J. Wolf Scholarship$500-$5,000

Student should be in their senior year at Grand Rapids Public Schools High school and be a resident of Grand Rapids. Student should plan on pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan. Applicant should also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.

  1. Michigan Retailer Association Scholarship$1,000

Student must be a high school senior, college freshman, and sophomore or junior who are dependent sons/daughters of MRA member business owners or a full-time employee of the MRA, or part-time employee who are full-time students.

  1. Mildred E. Troske Music Scholarship$500-$3,000

Student has to be a resident of Kent County for at least two years and should be pursuing an undergraduate degree in music related majors. Applicant must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  1. Nate Hurwitz Award & Memorial Scholarship$1,000

Scholarship is a memorial award to Nate Hurwitz, a former FHE student with a positive attitude and a dedication to the school. Scholarship will be awarded to student who embodies the qualities of Nate and shows a deep commitment to community.

  1. Paul Collins Scholarship$500-$3,000

Student should be in a Fine or Applied Arts undergraduate degree at Aquinas, Calvin, GVSU, GRCC or Kendall. Student should have a minimum GPA of 2.5, be a resident of Kent County, demonstrate financial need and demonstrate artistic talent.

  1. Peter Dion Scholarship$500

Scholarship is awarded to graduating senior who attended Pine Ridge Elementary School. Student should intend to pursue a career in education at college of choice and has demonstrated leadership, academic excellence and community or school service.

  1. Robert & Hilda Mitchell Scholarship$500-$3,000

Applicant must be a resident of Kent County for at least 3 years that is pursuing an undergraduate degree at any accredited college in the U.S. Applicant should demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.3.

  1. Rockford Construction ScholarshipVaries

Scholarship is awarded to Hope College juniors or seniors that are a Michigan resident with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and are majoring in engineering with an interesting in facilities design or construction.

  1. Roger & Jacquelyn VanderLaan Family/GRCF Scholarship$2,500

Student should a senior at South Christian High School and planning on pursuing a major in healthcare, education or business. Applicant should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.

  1. Ronald T. Smith Family ScholarshipVaries

Student should be an employee, spouse, or child of employee at Bodycote in Grand Rapids or Holland Plans. Applicant should be pursuing an undergraduate degree or graduate degree at any accredited colleg

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