Nearly 100 Scholarships for Local Students Available through the Community Foundation

[Image description: Two students laughing together while sitting next to each other at a table with laptops.]

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation’s scholarship applications are now open to eligible students across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties. The Community Foundation offers nearly 100 unique scholarships to graduating high school seniors, current college students, and students pursuing vocational training and trade professions.

“Our scholarships provide students with many options to explore—from those interested in the home building industry to those wanting to pursue post-secondary education in a STEM field,” said Gina Thornbury, Program and Grants Manager. “These opportunities are made possible by many donor and community partners across our five-county region.”

Community Foundation scholarships include both regional opportunities benefiting students from one or more schools and nearly 40 opportunities for students attending Traverse City Area Public Schools. Some students may qualify for both scholarship types.

Last year, the Community Foundation awarded 212 scholarships to 184 students in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties, totaling more than $316,000. This year, two new scholarships are available:

• The Traverse City Tourism Hospitality Scholarship is open to graduating seniors from Benzie or Grand Traverse Counties, or current Northwestern Michigan College students pursuing a career in the hospitality and/or tourism field.
• The LGBTQ Pride Scholarship is available to LGBTQ+ seniors and LGBTQ+ student allies from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau Counties who that are pursuing post-secondary education.

Scholarship applications are available online and are due on March 1. Students are encouraged to begin their applications now. Some scholarships require a separate application, and others may have different deadlines and supplemental materials required. For more information, visit www.gtrcf.org/scholarships/apply.

Community Foundation staff are also available to provide guidance to students and families on eligibility; questions are welcome at info@gtrcf.org or by calling (231) 935-4066.