Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Chemeketa Foundation Scholarships

The Chemeketa Foundation plays a vital role in making college education accessible to students in need. By providing resources, opportunities, and hope, the Foundation empowers individuals to pursue their academic goals. This article delves into the requirements, application process, and various aspects of Chemeketa Foundation scholarships.

Chemeketa Foundation: Making College Possible

The Chemeketa Foundation was established in 1973. A small group of dedicated community members joined together offering small loans to student-parents trying to earn their degree. With the help of the community, the Chemeketa Foundation provides resources, opportunity and hope to students in need.

Application Process and Timeline

The Chemeketa Foundation Scholarship application is available online. Everyone interested in applying for these scholarships must first apply for admissions at Chemeketa. The admission form may take up to 10 business days to process. Once the admission form processed, you will be assigned a username and a temporary password. All new and returning students can apply for Chemeketa Foundation scholarships through one online application by visiting chemeketa.academicworks.com.

The main application window is once a year from February 1 - April 15. Apply by April 15 to be considered for scholarships during the following academic year. There may be additional application openings during the summer and fall terms for second round awards.

Key Dates

Application Period: February 1 - April 15 annually

How to Apply

Apply for Admission: All applicants must first apply for admission to Chemeketa Community College. The admission form may take up to 10 business days to process.
Online Application: Once admitted, students can access the Chemeketa Foundation scholarship application online at chemeketa.academicworks.com.
Complete the Application: Fill out the online application thoroughly and accurately during the application window.

Eligibility and Requirements

These scholarships are for new or returning students who plan to attend Chemeketa. You do not need to be eligible for federal financial aid to receive a scholarship but students must complete and submit one of the following (whichever applies). The SAI is an eligibility index number that your college’s or career school’s financial aid office uses to determine how much federal student aid you would receive if you attend the school. It ranges from -1500 to 999999. A negative SAI indicates the student has a higher financial need. In the FAFSA, the SAI value is available in the FAFSA Submission Summary.

General Requirements

Enrollment: Applicants must be new or returning students planning to attend Chemeketa Community College.
Application Submission: Completion of the Chemeketa Foundation Scholarship application during the specified application window.
SAI Submission: Students must complete and submit either the FAFSA or ORSAA, whichever applies.

Maximizing Your Chances

When you complete the scholarship application online, you will be automatically considered for all the Foundation scholarships based on your eligibility. You will not need to review the list of scholarships or apply to them individually.

Essay Tips

Goals and Experience Essays: The Goals and Experience essays are required. Otherwise, you may be eliminated from consideration for a scholarship.
Optional Essays: The other essays are not required, but we suggest you respond to those questions for the best chance at receiving a scholarship.

Additional Information

Program Changes: List the program you intend to pursue for the academic year you are applying for a scholarship.
First-Generation Student: For this application, you are a first-generation student if neither of your parents graduated from college with a bachelor's degree.

Scholarship Funds and Their Purposes

The Chemeketa Community College Foundation Scholarship funds are to be used for tuition, fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses.

Specific Scholarship Examples

Alex Buczynski Scholarship: Established in loving memory of Alex Buczynski by his family and friends to make education possible for students in the Fire Science, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Addiction Studies, or Addiction Counselor programs.
Julie Huckestein Scholarship: Former Chemeketa president Julie Huckestein and her husband established this scholarship to assist students with completing a baccalaureate degree at Chemeketa.
Barbara Cockrell & Chemeketa Education Association Scholarship: The friends of Barbara Cockrell & Chemeketa Education Association established this fund to honor Barbara's service to students and Business Services at Chemeketa.
John and Betty Gray Scholarship: John and Betty Gray strived to improve the quality of early childhood development by promoting the education of professionals working with children.
BJ REPP, PH.D. Scholarship: Established in loving memory of BJ by her husband John. BJ worked on the Chemeketa Salem campus for Portland State University helping many students transfer and support collaboration between institutions.
Calvary Baptist Church Scholarship: This scholarship was established by congregants, donors, and leadership at Calvary Baptist Church in support of students attending Chemeketa.
Gertrude Pump Scholarship: Established through Calvary Baptist Church, this scholarship is made possible by a gift left to the church by Gertrude Pump.
CAMP Program Scholarship: This fund was established in partnership with Chemeketa’s CAMP Program, through a donation from the Foundation’s unrestricted fund.
Carmela Coyne Scholarship: This scholarship was established by Barry Lee Coyne in memory of his late wife Carmela.
Cassy Hanson Scholarship: Established by the family of Cassy Hanson after her death at a young age.
Ana Castilla, DDS, MS, PC Scholarship: This scholarship was established by a gift from Ana Castilla, DDS, MS, PC.
Dr. CHARLES B. & LORETTA K. Scholarship: Charlie and Loretta both attended Chemeketa after their retirement and, in their estate, provided a generous planned gift to support future generations of students.
Charles Langdon "Lang" Wroton and Herta Wroton Scholarship: Charles Langdon "Lang" Wroton and Herta Wroton, were known for their community involvement and dedication to local nonprofit organizations.
Carl and Esther Gerstacker Scholarship: Former Chemeketa President Gretchen Schuette established this scholarship in memory of her parents, Carl and Esther Gerstacker.
WOU Scholarship: This scholarship encourages students to continue and complete a baccalaureate degree at WOU.
Clint Foundation Scholarship: When John and Nancy McClintock established the Clint Foundation in the early 90’s, they sought to empower hard-working students who have a desire to better their communities.
Bobbie and John Clyde Scholarship: Established by Bobbie and John Clyde, long-time Chemeketa employees who created this scholarship fund in retirement to help support student-parents.
Dan Chandler Scholarship: Chandler family, friends and associates at Prudential Real Estate Professionals established this scholarship in memory of Dan Chandler, founder of Prudential Real Estate Professionals in Salem.
David Swenson Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of beloved instructor David Swenson by his friends and family.
Dawn Beeler Marges Scholarship: This scholarship was established by friends and family of Dawn Beeler Marges, to honor her life and legacy of advocating for education and to commemorate her service as Chemeketa’s Early Childhood Education Program Director.
Dennis Clark Scholarship: This scholarship was established by friends and family in memory of Dennis Clark.
E. Scholarship: Established by E. This scholarship helps provide assitance to students pursuing an education in emergency service programs at Chemeketa.
Andrew Bone and Nancy Duncan Scholarship: This fund is established initially by a gift from the Foundation board of directors, former board members and friends of Andrew Bone and Nancy Duncan recognizing their many contributions to the Foundation and college after their retirements.
George Puentes Jr. Scholarship: In December of 1994, six community members established Scholarships for Oregon Latinos (SOL) in memory of George Puentes Jr., a young man whose life exemplified his commitment to educational excellence.
GRETCHEN S. Scholarship: In the interest of supporting Chemeketa values of diversity and college access, this scholarship was established by the Midland Area Community Foundation and the Rollin M.
HARRY D. Scholarship: Established by a gift from the estate of Harry D.
Hazel Oonah Park Evans Scholarship: This endowed fund is established initially by a gift from Chemeketa Community College President Jessica Howard in memory of her grandmother Hazel Oonah Park Evans who was an educator.
Linda Herrera Scholarship: Established by a gift from Linda Herrera and friends in honor of her retirement after 30 years at Chemeketa.
Hillside Foundation Nursing Scholarship: The Hillside Foundation established this Nursing Scholarship to help support availability of healthcare services for the elderly population in Yamhill County.
Marjorie and Brent Mobley-Oorthuys Scholarship: This fund is established by a gift from Marjorie and Brent Mobley-Oorthuys.
JAMES G. Scholarship: This scholarship memorializes Jim, a Chemeketa Psychology instructor.
Janet Carlson Scholarship: Established from friends and colleagues of Janet Carlson for her many years of service in the community as a Marion County Commissioner.
JANET E. & THEODORE K. Scholarship: Janet and Theodore Urton established this scholarship to encourage awareness of mental health issues, reduce the stigma of these conditions and spread awareness.
Jeffrey Isbell and Marie T. Scholarship: This fund was established initially by a gift from Gary C. Horner, Ph.D.
Jerry Smith Scholarship: This fund is established by a gift made to Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) from an anonymous donor and supported by several community members in memory of McMinnville Fire Chief Jerry Smith.
JOHN G. Scholarship: Established in 1996 by John G.
JOHN P. Martin Scholarship: This scholarship was established in the memory of John P. Martin who worked in the local steel industry his whole life.
Joshua Lowe Scholarship: Remembered for his love of life, learning, and community involvement, Joshua died in a tragic accident.
Laverne C. Montez Bailey Scholarship: Family and friends remember Montez Bailey for his spirit of leadership and community with this scholarship.
Nate Turner Scholarship: Established in loving memory of Nate Turner by his friends and family.
Paul and Carol Manka Scholarship: Paul and Carol Manka established this scholarship to help support students who are the first in their family to attend college.
Pay it Forward Scholarship: The Pay it Forward Scholarship was established in 2023 by a generous anonymous donor in support of students pursuing a degree or certificate at Chemeketa.
Tim Pierce and Louis Kanolis Scholarship: This fund has been established by college employee and long-time Foundation supporter, Tim Pierce and husband Louis Kanolis.
Prier Pipe & Supply Scholarship: This fund was established initially by Prier Pipe & Supply in Salem, OR.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Program Scholarship: This scholarship provides assistance to students enrolled in the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at Chemeketa Community College. established in 1957.
Rhonda Wood Scholarship: Established in honor of Rhonda Wood’s long tenure at Chemeketa.
Robert Scholarship: In 2010, Eva initially established this scholarship in memory of her husband Robert, his love of learning, support of education and his fondness for working with metal.
Providence Benedictine Nursing Center Foundation Scholarship: This fund was established by Mark Humphreys from the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center Foundation, in support of our students.
Saff Family Scholarship: The Saff Family Scholarship offers students from all backgrounds access to higher education.
Salem Masonic Lodge #4 Scholarship: The Salem Masonic Lodge #4 established this scholarship in 2000 to assist deserving students.
Salem Rotary Foundation Scholarship: Encouraging education in the Salem area, the Salem Rotary Foundation provides scholarships to graduates of North Salem High School or South Salem High School.
Joan Scherf Scholarship: This scholarship was established by Joan Scherf.
SID A. Scholarship: Established by long-time supporter Larry Smith, this scholarship supports students pursuing manufacturing programs at Chemeketa.
Steve Lund Scholarship: This fund was established initially by a gift from Nancy Savonick in honor of her late husband Steve Lund.
High School Partnerships programs Scholarship: This scholarship supports students in the High School Partnerships programs who have achieved academic success while overcoming obstacles and demonstrating self-efficacy in active learning.
Terry Hall Nursing Scholarship: This scholarship was established by Terry Hall, a former Yamhill Valley and Salem Campus instructor in both nursing and the CNA program.
Tony and Gudrun Hoobler Scholarship: This fund was established initially by a gift from Tony and Gudrun Hoobler.
TRIO Program Scholarship: This fund was established in partnership with Chemeketa’s TRIO Program, through a donation from the Foundation’s unrestricted fund.
Trumbo/Lowe Family Scholarship: The Trumbo/Lowe Family Scholarship was established by Mark and Jennifer Trumbo supporting Yamhill County High School graduates seeking Career & Technical certificates and degrees.
Theodore and Janet Urton Scholarship: Established by Theodore and Janet Urton to support students on parole with a sincere desire to turn their lives around through education and become worthy, law abiding citizens.
Lee and Erma Vásquez Scholarship: This gift, established by Lee and Erma Vásquez, supports students attending Chemeketa's Yamhill Valley campus.
W.L. “Bud” Mekkers Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of long-term Sheriff, W.L. “Bud” Mekkers of Yamhill County.
Mary M. Young Scholarship: Mary M. Young and her son Mark established this scholarship to help students pursuing a certificate or degree.

Important Considerations

Application Edits: You can log back into the online application to edit or review at any time throughout the application period.
Notification: Students not selected for a scholarship during the first round will be notified at the end of June. As funds become available, all applications are reconsidered.

Staying Informed

Scholarship Workshops: Scholarship workshops are available throughout the application period.
Application Issues: If the application times out, simply log back in, and select Update on your General Application to continue submitting your information.

Giving Back

You can help make college possible for Chemeketa students. To make a tax-deductible, one-time or recurring donation to a specific scholarship fund or establish a new scholarship, visit go.chemeketa.edu/donate.

Donations

In-Kind Gifts: The donor and/or receiving college department will need to complete our Chemeketa Foundation In-kind Gift Form prior to accepting non-cash gifts. You should speak with a representative of the Foundation before submitting your completed form.
Impact: When you give through the Chemeketa Foundation, 100% of all gifts received directly support our students and/or programs.

STARS Reception

The 2024 STARS reception was a very special event. Held in May at the Salem Convention Center, this is an opportunity for our donors and recipients to come together sharing stories and celebrating a successful school year.

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