Scholarships for Local Students Available through the Community Foundation

Students in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties have the chance to pursue an array of scholarship opportunities for the 2021-2022 school year through the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. The Community Foundation offers over 90 unique scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors, current college students, and students pursuing vocational training and trade professions. Applications open on January 15.

“From students interested in a public service career to students demonstrating excellence in poetry writing, there’s a scholarship opportunity available. Our range of scholarships fit a variety of student interests, academic backgrounds, and career motivations,” said Gina Thornbury, program and grants manager. “It is our generous donors across our five-county region that have made these scholarships possible for local students.”

Scholarships are available as regional opportunities aimed at benefiting students from one or more schools throughout the five-county region as well as nearly 40 opportunities available for TCAPS students. It is possible for some students to qualify for both opportunity types.

Last year, the Community Foundation awarded 229 scholarships to 193 students in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties, totaling more than $291,000. This year, three new scholarships are available:

• Emily and Frank Smiddy Scholarship for graduating seniors from Benzie County high schools planning to pursue postsecondary education in the sciences or STEM;

• Judith Lang Journalism Scholarship for students that demonstrate excellence in nonfiction writing; and

• Ragland Bloem Scholarship Fund for graduating high school seniors from Antrim and Kalkaska Counties that have demonstrated financial need and are planning to pursue education in environmental or related studies.

Scholarship applications are due March 1, but students are encouraged to begin their applications now. Certain scholarships require a separate application, and some may have different deadlines and supplemental materials required. To apply or for more information, visit www.gtrcf.org/scholarships/apply.