Local Scholarships

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Grand Rapids Community Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships annually primarily to Kent County students bound for or in college, or those pursuing a technical career.  These scholarships often are not reported directly to FHE Counseling, so students should check the website frequently for updates. Click HERE to get started. 

2023-2024 School Year

SCHOLARSHIP: Qualified seniors are encouraged to apply for the Forest Hills Business Association Scholarship. Applicants will be assessed on an individual basis. Character, academic excellence, financial need, community involvement, dedication, commitment to their goals, proof of eligibility, and the recommendation letter will be considered. Applications are due April 30, 2024. Click HERE for more information.



MACAC Maggie Miller Student Scholarship: This scholarship is a testament to the indelible legacy of Maggie Miller, a legendary counselor, compassionate educator, and fervent advocate for college education. In honor of Maggie's enduring impact, the MACAC Maggie Miller Student Scholarship aims to support exceptional students from our MACAC Member high schools who are embarking on their journey to higher education at a MACAC or NACAC member post-secondary institution. Complete details and application materials can be found HERE. The deadline to submit is May 31, 2024. 



SCHOLARSHIP: The Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan is seeking applications for its 2024 BBB Trust Scholarship. The scholarship honors young leaders who demonstrate Trust and Ethics in their daily lives as they work to make a difference in their school and community. This scholarship is open to High School seniors (class of 2024) who will attend college in the fall of 2024. BBB will award three (3) scholarships worth $1,500 each. Click HERE for details. The deadline for applying is March 29. 2024. 




SCHOLARSHIP: The Grand Rapids Community Foundation awards more than $1 million every year to hundreds of students in Kent County. Completing one general application enters you in the process for more than 80 need-based scholarship funds. List of materials needed for application: 


Applications are due March 1, 2024. All applicants will receive an email with decisions the second week of May. 



SCHOLARSHIP: For over 24 years Union Bank has proudly offered a scholarship to highlight and celebrate graduating high school seniors who have continuously shown dedication not only to their education but also to their community.   Union Bank believes in helping students, within its' service area, achieve their dreams of higher education. The Union Bank Scholarship is open to high school seniors who plan to attend a private or public college, university or trade school to further their skills and education in fields that make, build and grow for a living.  

For more information on the Union Bank Scholarship, go to https://www.ubmich.com/union-bank/scholarship. Application Deadline: April 6th




SCHOLARSHIP: We are excited to announce the ChoiceOne Bank 2024 Scholarship program will begin accepting applications on Monday, January 22nd and will run through Monday, March 25. This is a $1,000 scholarship awarded based on essay submission and location. There will be a total of 12 students selected as Scholarship recipients. All students must complete their applications online at: www.choiceone.bank/scholarship. 





SCHOLARSHIP: FHE seniors planning to attend college at GVSU in the fall of 2024 are invited to apply for the Nathan M. Hurwitz Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was created in memory of Nathan M. "Nate" Hurwitz. Nathan was a proud student at Forest Hills Eastern High School. This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of Forest Hills Eastern High School, to assist with freshman year at GVSU. Click HERE for eligibility information. Applicants must login to the GVSU scholarship portal to apply. 




SCHOLARSHIP: Community West awards the 2024 Vern Hyde Scholarship to four students for the fall 2024 semester: two scholarships to current high school seniors starting college in the fall. This scholarship aims to acknowledge and reward outstanding efforts in leadership, volunteerism, and community involvement. The scholarships will be awarded in the form of a check presented directly to the college, university, or trade program to help offset the cost of tuition and/or books and supplies. For details, click HERE



SCHOLARSHIP: The Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship Fund is pleased to offer a $5,000 scholarship to an outstanding senior from a local district high school within Kent ISD who intends to pursue a college career in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences relating to space technology! The application can be found at www.rogerbchaffeescholarship.org. All applications need to be delivered electronically to: Mandylovell@kentisd.org by February 29, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. 



SCHOLARSHIP: We are pleased to announce the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship sponsored by the Regional Math and Science Center at Grand Valley State University. This is a named scholarship honoring the legacy of Mary Jane Dockeray (1927-2020), founding curator of the Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids. Each year, the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarships are awarded to graduating from high school seniors from public or private schools in the Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Intermediate School Districts with an interest in pursuing a career in science. Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded this year to graduating seniors who plan to pursue a career in science.

The application process consists of submitting the completed application form, a personal essay, a high school transcript, and two recommendations in support of the applicant. Detailed information and application forms can be obtained by visiting the website HERE.




SCHOLARSHIP: Seniors are invited to apply for the 2024 Friends of the Cascade Library Scholarship, open now through Feb. 15th, 2024. The Friends of the Cascade Library Memorial Scholarship was launched in 2008 as a tribute to Marilyn Meyer, a founding member of the Friends of the Cascade Library who worked tirelessly on behalf of the organization and the Cascade Library for more than thirty-five years until her death in November 2007. The Friends continue to support the Cascade Library and its many services to the community through a network of dedicated volunteers. In honor of their efforts, two separate awards—each in the amount of $1,500—will be given to two high school seniors attending Forest Hills Central, Forest Hills Northern, or Forest Hills Eastern who best exemplify the volunteer spirit that motivated Mrs. Meyer and inspires current members of the Friends. Click HERE for scholarship guidelines, and HERE for the application.



SCHOLARSHIP: The University Club of Grand Rapids Scholarship Foundation has been established for individuals in the West Michigan area who intend to build, support, and serve the West Michigan community after graduation.

The amount of this scholarship is $1000. It may be renewed for three additional, consecutive years upon the completion of a Renewable Application form. The student must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher (or comparable performance) each year for renewal. This comes to a $4000 total over four years. 

The scholarship can be applied to university/college, trade schools and other 2 or 4 year after high school programs. Click HERE for application materials and instructions. The submission deadline is January 16, 2024. 


2022-2023 School Year

SCHOLARSHIP: ChoiceOne Bank 2023 Scholarship program has begun accepting applications and runs through March 17.  This is a $1,000 scholarship awarded based on essay submission and location.  There will be 6 students selected from the East region and 6 students selected from our West region.  All students must complete their applications online at: www.choiceone.com/scholarship. 


SCHOLARSHIP: The Consumers Credit Union scholarship program has been awarding students for 15 years, which means scholastic support to more than 150 Michigan high school seniors. This year they have one $10,000 scholarship and 10 $1,000 scholarships to award. The guidelines, requirements, and application are all available on their website at: https://www.consumerscu.org/about/scholarships.  


SCHOLARSHIP: United Bank is proud to partner with our community, and as an extension of that pride, we are pleased to offer one United Bank Community Dedication Scholarship in the amount of $500. It is our hope that United Bank can play an instrumental role in helping community minded young adults achieve their goals in higher education. One student from the 2023 graduating class is to be awarded a $500 scholarship. Qualified candidates have shown care for their community through involvement in school and community activities. Seniors may access the application HERE.


SCHOLARSHIP: The Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship Fund is pleased to offer a $3,500 scholarship to an outstanding senior from a local district high school within Kent ISD who intends to pursue a college career in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences relating to space technology! The application can be found at www.rogerbchaffeescholarship.org. All applications need to be delivered electronically to: Mandylovell@kentisd.org by February 24, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.


SCHOLARSHIP: The Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan (BBB) is seeking applications for its 2023 BBB Trust Scholarship. The scholarship honors young leaders who demonstrate Trust and Ethics in their daily lives as they work to make a difference in their school and community. This scholarship is open to High School seniors (class of 2023) who will attend college in the fall of 2022. BBB will award three (3) scholarships worth $1,500 each.  


SCHOLARSHIP: The University Club of Grand Rapids Scholarship Foundation has been established for individuals who intend to build, support, and serve the West Michigan community after college graduation. Applicants may attend any college or accredited vocational school: in-state, out-of-state, 2-year or 4-year program. Current seniors are invited to apply. The completed application with an attached official transcript must be received by February 15, 2023.  Click HERE for application materials. 


SCHOLARSHIP: Established in 1990, this scholarship program honors the legacy of Lloyd F. Hutt – teacher and founder of LMCU. Each year, we establish a prompt for high school seniors to write about in the form of an essay and award twenty (20) $2,000 scholarships. We are proud to have provided over $500,000 in scholarships to 292 deserving students over the years. Click HERE to review the 2022-23 Hutt Scholarship application materials. The deadline for completion is January 31st, 2023. 


SCHOLARSHIP: River Valley Credit Union's "Fast Track to Higher Learning" scholarship is now open! Click HERE for complete details. Applicants must be high school seniors who are RVCU members. Applications are due February 10th, 2023. 




SCHOLARSHIP: We are pleased to announce the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship sponsored by the Regional Math and Science Center at Grand Valley State University is now open! This is a named scholarship honoring the legacy of Mary Jane Dockeray (1927-2020), founding curator of the Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids. Each year, the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarships are awarded to graduating from high school seniors from public or private schools in the Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Intermediate School Districts with an interest in pursuing a career in science. Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded this year to graduating seniors who plan to pursue a career in science. Click HERE to access application materials. The deadline for completion is February 28th, 2023.




SCHOLARSHIP: Seniors are invited to apply for the 2023 Friends of the Cascade Library Scholarship, open now through Feb. 15th, 2023. The Friends of the Cascade Library Memorial Scholarship was launched in 2008 as a tribute to Marilyn Meyer, a founding member of the Friends of the Cascade Library who worked tirelessly on behalf of the organization and the Cascade Library for more than thirty-five years until her death in November 2007. The Friends continue to support the Cascade Library and its many services to the community through a network of dedicated volunteers. In honor of their efforts, two separate awards—each in the amount of $1,500—will be given to two high school seniors attending Forest Hills Central, Forest Hills Northern, or Forest Hills Eastern who best exemplify the volunteer spirit that motivated Mrs. Meyer and inspires current members of the Friends. Click HERE for scholarship guidelines, and HERE for the application. 


SCHOLARSHIP: Seniors are invited to apply for the University Club of Grand Rapids Class of 2023 scholarship. This is a renewable $1,000 scholarship that may be applied to a 4-year, 2-year or trade school institution. Applications are accepted now through February 15, 2023. Click HERE for the details and the application. 


2021-2022 School Year

SCHOLARSHIP: The Union Bank Scholarship is open to high school seniors who plan to attend a private or public college, university, or trade school to further their skills and education in fields that make, build, and grow for a living. For more information regarding the 2022 UB Scholarship Program or to apply, students should go to https://www.ubmich.com/union-bank/scholarship.The application deadline is April 1, 2022.



SCHOLARSHIP: Consumers has offered a scholarship program for over 15 years, but we overhauled it in 2020 in hopes of making an even greater impact on the recipients. Our grand prize winner now receives $20,000 through four payments of $5,000 (each of the winner’s first four semesters at college or trade school). And because we know life can be unpredictable and interruptions to educational goals happen, the grand prize winner can access those funds over five years. The ten $1,000 scholarships can be used completely at the recipients’ discretion. Click HERE for application information and materials. 



SCHOLARSHIP: United Bank is proud to partner with you in our community. As an extension of that pride, we are pleased to offer the United Bank Community Dedication Scholarship in the amount of $500. It is our hope that United Bank can play an instrumental role in helping community minded young adults achieve their goals in higher education. Interested students may find the application HERE




SCHOLARSHIP: The Nathan M. Hurwitz Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Nathan M. “Nate” Hurwitz. Nathan was a proud student at Forest Hills Eastern High School. This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of Forest Hills Eastern High School, to assist with freshman year at GVSU. Applications must be submitted by March 1. Click HERE for details. 



SCHOLARSHIP: PFCU Credit Union McCrumb Scholarship - The scholarship will be available once again for graduating high school seniors (class of 2022). We will be awarding 10 $1,000 scholarships! Students can visit our website for the application and more details: https://www.pfcu4me.com/Education/Scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2022



SCHOLARSHIP: The U of M Club of Grand Rapids is offering a number of scholarships for current seniors. Scholarship materials are due on February 7th. Click HERE to view all details and application materials.


SCHOLARSHIP: The Rockford Area Community Endowment (RACE) at its November 11, 2021 general meeting voted to create a college or trade school scholarship for an area student.  Each year RACE will award $2000.00 to an area high school senior for further education at an accredited university, college or trade school. FHE seniors who live in Cannon Twp. may be eligible to apply. Click HERE for complete details.



SCHOLARSHIP: The Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship Fund is pleased to offer a $3,500 scholarship to an outstanding senior from a Kent ISD high school who intends to pursue a college career in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences relating to space technology! Application materials are available at www.rogerbchaffeescholarship.org . All applications need to be delivered electronically to: Mandylovell@kentisd.org by February 25, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. 



SCHOLARSHIP: The Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship sponsored by the Regional Math and Science Center at Grand Valley State University is now open. The scholarship of $2,500 is to be applied toward tuition, fees, or other educational costs at any two or four-year college or university. Any graduating senior from a high school within the Kent, Ottawa, or Muskegon Area Intermediate School Districts who is pursuing a career in science at a two or four-year college or university is eligible to apply. Click HERE for details and application materials. 



SCHOLARSHIP: River Valley Credit Union's "Fast Track to Higher Learning" scholarship is now open! River Valley Credit Union is proud to help our members with continuing education. Completion of the application is the first step. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must have submitted all required documentation by Feb. 11th, 2022. The top two essay entries and video entries will each receive $1000. You can apply for the essay and/or video scholarships. Click HERE for details.




SCHOLARSHIP: Since 2009, the Friends of Cascade Library have offered a scholarship to graduating seniors attending Forest Hills Public Schools who have demonstrated a commitment to volunteering in the community. To date, they have awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships to 18 exceptional young volunteers from FHPS who live in the Cascade Library service area. The 2022 scholarship ($1,500 to each of two recipients) is now open for qualified seniors to apply. Click HERE for information about eligibility, and HERE for an application. The application deadline this cycle is February 15, 2022. These materials are also available at the Cascade Library information desk as well as on the Friends' website at www.cascadefriends.org.


2019-2020 School Year

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP: Union Bank is proud to offer a scholarship program to the graduating class of 2020. The UB scholarship program was established 20 years ago to highlight and celebrate young adults that have not only shown dedication to their education, but also the community that they grew up in. For eligibility information and to apply, follow the link HERE. The deadline is May 31. 


SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: The FHE Academic Boosters Club has established a commitment to recognize academic success. We are asking those Senior students interested in applying for this award to write a 300-500 word essay to compete for two $500 Scholarship Awards, on the following :

Consider the following quote from Mark Twain: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow- mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating In one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime. “ Compose an essay answering the following: How has travel broadened and/or changed your perspective? Travel can include any place that changed your former perspective - a new beach or park, a different city, or international travel.

Our Board and a committee of English teachers will be reviewing the papers and scoring them using a rubric that will include consideration of content and ideas, as well as organization, style, voice, grammar and usage. The winners will be announced at Senior Recognition. No parents of seniors serve on the decision making board for ABC senior awards.

Please turn in your essay to the EHS Main Office - ATTENTION ABC by 8am. on Friday, Feb 14, 2020. No late entries will be accepted. Please use MLA format, 12 point font, Times New Roman, and DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THE ESSAY! Please put the essay in a sealed envelope, with your name, student number, and email on the envelope ONLY. 

If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Miller, rachelvm@comcast.net


SCHOLARSHIP: The Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship Fund is pleased to offer a $3,000 scholarship to an outstanding senior from a Kent ISD high school who intends to pursue a college career in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences relating to space technology! The application is available at www.rogerbchaffeescholarship.org

Applications must be postmarked by February 29, 2020 and mailed or delivered before 4:00 p.m. to:

 Attn:  Cindy Conners                                        

Kent Intermediate School District

2930 Knapp Street NE

Grand Rapids, MI  49525


SCHOLARSHIP: The U of M Club of Grand Rapids currently provides financial aid to over 60 students from West Michigan who are attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The scholarships are awarded for four years and currently $4,000 per year per student. In addition to meeting academic qualifications, students must demonstrate financial need and outstanding citizenship. To qualify for the scholarship, students must be a senior preparing to graduate from an eligible West Michigan area high school within the club's footprint. Click HERE to see all of the requirements. The deadline to apply is Feb. 21, 2020.


SCHOLARSHIP: Seniors intending to pursue a career in Science are encouraged to apply for the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship, sponsored by the GVSU Regional Math & Science Center (scholarship recipients may use the scholarship at other 2-year or 4-year institutions). The deadline is March 30th, and applicants must have 2 recommendations. Seniors who may be eligible should apply soon! Click HERE for more information.


SCHOLARSHIP: River Valley Credit Union is offering members in good standing a chance to win a scholarship in the amount of $500-$1,000. Scholarships are for seniors, and you must be a RVCU member. Click HERE for more information, and to apply.


SCHOLARSHIP: The University Club Scholarship is targeted toward students who intend to give back or benefit their West Michigan community upon completion of their studies. The scholarship is now open! Click HERE for complete details and application materials. The deadline for submission is Monday, Feb. 3rd, 2020. This is NOT to be confused with the University of Michigan Club of Grand Rapids! Students who are eligible may attend any post-secondary institution, in/out of state, including 2-year and 4-year colleges.


SCHOLARSHIP FOR SENIORS: This year Lake Michigan Credit Union celebrates the 30th anniversary of our Hutt Scholarship. This year’s essay submission runs from November 1st – January 31st and asks the following question:

In 30 years, what’s the one thing you hope you still have and why?

LMCU will be awarding 15 students $2,000 scholarships. Follow the link HERE for more info.


SCHOLARSHIP: The Friends of the Cascade Library Memorial Scholarship, which we award annually to deserving FHPS graduating seniors, is now open for seniors who meet eligibility criteria. To date, the Friends of Cascade Library have given a total of $14,500 to students who have demonstrated a commitment to volunteering in the community!

For 2020, we will be offering two $1,500 scholarships in recognition of outstanding FHPS student volunteers. Click HERE to review the guidelines. The application is HERE. 

2018-2019 School Year

SCHOLARSHIP FOR JUNIORS: Juniors who are interested in applying to Michigan State University next year are encouraged to apply for the West Michigan MSU Alumni Scholarship. Click HERE to view qualifying information and to print a copy of the application. Applications must be submitted to the FHE Counseling Office by May 6th. 

SCHOLARSHIP: The West Michigan Veterans Coalition Armed Forces Dependent Scholarship is available to Spouses and Dependent Children up to age 26 of Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves, Retired and honorable Discharged Service Members who are currently attending either a College, University or Trade School or a High School Senior. The scholarship may be used to support school expenses such as books, tuition, transportation, housing, etc. Click HERE for more details and application materials.

The DK Sprague Educational Scholarship Endowment has been developed by the Gun Lake Tribe in order to provide financial assistance to high schools students in Allegan, Barry, Kent, Kalamazoo, and Ottawa counties. Scholarship recipients will receive an award in the amount of $20,000. The updated scholarship application has been published and can be found at the following link:https://gunlaketribe-nsn.gov/data/upfiles/media/846.pdf 

Rockford Sportsman’s Club Scholarship:  A $1,000 scholarship is reserved for a student in the Kent Intermediate School district that may be pursuing a career in conservation or law enforcement.

Although we know grades are important, our emphasis is placed more on the  student’s resume and application essay.

The scholarship application may be downloaded from our website by clicking on the following link:

http://www.rockfordsportsmansclub.com/about-rsc/scholarship/

The University of Michigan Club of Grand Rapids Scholarship: The U of M Club of Grand Rapids currently provides financial aid to over 60 students from West Michigan who are attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The scholarships are awarded for four years and currently $4,000 per year per student. In addition to meeting academic qualifications, students must demonstrate financial need and outstanding citizenship. To qualify for the scholarship, students must be a senior preparing to graduate from an eligible West Michigan area high school in the club's area. 

The scholarship for the 2018-2019 school year is now available at this site: https://www.tfaforms.com/4648212. 

The deadline is February 15, 2019 at 11:59 am. 

This is the largest scholarship program of its type sponsored by an alumni club for any university in the United States. Questions may be sent via e-mail to Scholarship Committee Chair Eric Biesbrock at UMGRScholarship@gmail.com. 

The Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship Fund is pleased to offer a $3,000 scholarship to an outstanding senior from a Kent ISD high school who intends to pursue a college career in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences relating to space technology. Start your application here: www.rogerbchaffeescholarship.org.

The deadline for submitting applications is: February 28, 2019.

GRCF Scholarships available!  

Grand Rapids Community Foundation awards over $1 million in scholarships every year! By completing just one online application, high school students can be considered for over 70 different scholarship opportunities! In addition to the general scholarship application, many other scholarships are also available. Applications are open now, and must be submitted by March 1, 2019. Visit https://www.grfoundation.org/apply-for-scholarships for more information.

The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is offering scholarships to students of all high school grade levels in their annual essay contest. Deadline is Feb. 1. Click HERE for details! 

For FHE graduates only! The Nate Hurwitz Memorial Scholarship is offered to FHE students who will be attending GVSU. The scholarship is in the amount of $2,400, to be used during the FHE grad's first year at GVSU. For more information, click HERE

SCHOLARSHIP: The Friends of the Cascade Library are offering two separate awards to current seniors, each in the amount of $1,500, to be given to two high school seniors residing in Cascade or Ada townships who best exemplify the volunteer spirit. The volunteer service in question should be civic and secular in nature, with an emphasis on community assistance and/or improvement. Full details of qualifying criteria can be found HERE, and an application can be found HERE.

GRCC SCHOLARSHIP: The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Scholarship Application is now open. This application is available to all students admitted to GRCC. Applicants are considered for over 300 different opportunities and over one million dollars in scholarship funds by completing the general application.

Students simply visit https://grcc.academicworks.com/users/sign_in and log in using their GRCC Blackboard log-in.

The priority deadline to submit applications is March 15th, 2019. Please note that if students have not earned at least 12 credits from GRCC, they MUST submit a high school transcript showing 7 complete semesters.

Applying to GRCC is FREE at http://www.grcc.edu/admissionsenrollment/applyonline. Students who are new to GRCC and have not set up their Blackboard log in can do so online at www.grcc.edu/password.

We highly encourage all students to complete a 2019-2020 FAFSA in order to be considered for the most complete award package.