Portage Northern High School

PEF Scholarships

Applications for the 2023-2024 scholarships open Nov. 1.

The Robert P. Amrhein Scholarship

Robert was a young man who faced immeasurable medical challenges as he bravely fought cancer for most of his middle school and high school years.  He attended school during his treatments, while he was in constant pain. Yet each day, he had a smile on his face, and he had an incredible and inspiring spirit. Robert was remembered for his concern for others, service, leadership, and character. This $4,000 scholarship is open to Portage Northern High School seniors.  Learn more and apply.

Board of Education Endowed Scholarship

A $500 scholarship created in honor of Dr. Kevin Hollenbeck, for his service on the Portage Public School Board.  It is for a senior who plans to pursue a career in Education, Public Policy, or a related field such as Public Administration.   Learn more and apply.

Lucille D. & Louis W. Boyer Scholarship Fund

This $1,500 scholarship fund was established by Lucille D. and Louis W. Boyer, to provide financial assistance to a graduating Portage senior. A Statement of Financial Need is required (see details below). This scholarship is awarded based in part on financial need.  Seniors from any PPS school are welcome to apply via this form.  Learn more and apply. 

Ken Draayer Scholarship

A $500 scholarship created in memory of Ken Draayer, owner of Dunshee Body and Frame, for a Portage Schools senior who plans to pursue an automotive career.   Learn more and apply.

Scott Hammond Career & Technical Education (formerly EFE) Endowed Scholarship

A $500 scholarship established in memory of this longtime staff member of Information & Technology Systems at Portage Public Schools. The scholarship is for a graduating PCHS or PNHS senior who has participated in the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency's CTE program, with plans to pursue a technology-related field of study.  The scholarship is awarded through the KRESA Education-for-Employment Outstanding Senior Awards Program, initiated by CTE teacher nomination. 

Portage Northern Communication Scholarship

This award ranges between $100 and $500 for a graduating Portage Northern student or students who display outstanding communication skills through participation in Forensics.  Learn more and apply.

Joyce A. Vliek Scholarship

A $5,000 scholarship established in memory of Joyce Vliek by her husband Ted Vliek, Sr. and their family. Joyce retired from Portage Public Schools in 1986 from a career as a special education teacher's aide. Open to PCHS or PNHS seniors intending to pursue a degree in elementary education, with a preference toward special education.  Learn more and apply.