Navigating Kalamazoo Foundation Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Eligibility Requirements

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation and other local organizations offer a variety of scholarships to support students in Kalamazoo County and beyond. These scholarships aim to address the community’s aspirations and challenges by investing in the education of its residents. This article provides a detailed overview of the eligibility requirements for various scholarships offered through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC), as well as other related programs.

The Kalamazoo Promise: A Foundation for Local Students

The Kalamazoo Promise is a unique program that significantly impacts scholarship eligibility in the region. Announced by Dr., the Kalamazoo Promise ensures that students who live in the Kalamazoo Public School (KPS) district and attend KPS schools for all of high school are eligible to have their tuition and mandatory fees covered at over 60 eligible Michigan institutions, ranging from colleges and universities to trade and vocational programs.

Kalamazoo Promise Eligibility

To be eligible for The Kalamazoo Promise, students need to:

Live in the Kalamazoo Public School (KPS) district.
Attend KPS schools for at least all of high school.
Graduate from a KPS school.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation General Scholarship Application

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation offers a General Scholarship Application open to students who are residents of, or who graduated from a high school in, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. This application matches students with a variety of scholarships based on major, life circumstances, high school attended, and other factors.

General Scholarship Application Details

Eligibility: Residents of or graduates from a high school in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
Application Period: Typically open from December/January to March 1st of every year. Based on previous application cycles, we expect this scholarship to reopen in December 2025.
How to Apply: By submitting the general application, students will be matched with a wide variety of scholarships that are specific to major, life circumstances, high school attended, and a variety of other factors.
Additional Information: To learn more about their selection of scholarships, we recommend checking out the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Scholarship Search.

Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation Scholarship

The Kalamazoo Public Education Foundation Scholarship is awarded annually to a Kalamazoo Public Schools senior planning to enter the field of education.

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Eligibility Criteria

Must be a Kalamazoo Central High School, Loy Norrix High School, or Kalamazoo Public Schools alternative high school senior.
Planning to pursue a baccalaureate degree leading to a career in education.
Planning to enroll full time in an accredited college or university.
Must have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in core curriculum classes through the first semester of the senior year in high school.
Show evidence of participation in school and community activities.
Financial need may be a consideration but is not a requirement for application.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) Scholarships

Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) offers numerous scholarships each year through its Financial Aid Office. Many of these scholarships have specific criteria related to program of study, GPA, and residency.

General Requirements for KVCC Scholarships

Minimum GPA requirements vary, but many scholarships require at least a 2.0 to 3.0 GPA.
Enrollment requirements often include being enrolled for at least three to six credit hours.
Some scholarships require documented community and/or volunteer service.
Many scholarships require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.
Scholarship recipients are expected to write a personal note of thanks to the donors of the scholarship fund they receive. Send your thank you note to the Kalamazoo Valley Foundation Office at: P.O.

Specific KVCC Scholarships and Their Eligibility

Below is a detailed list of specific scholarships available at KVCC, along with their unique eligibility requirements:

Almyra B. Parker Scholarship:
- For students enrolled in the Culinary Arts & Sustainable Food Systems Program.
- Established by Almyra B. Parker to encourage future generations of food professionals to join the career she loved.
Bertha Hogarth Scholarship:
- This endowed scholarship was established by Bertha Hogarth, a Registered Nurse with a great interest in student nurses, many of whom studied at KVCC and she met while living in assisted care facilities.
Bob's Instructional Legacy Scholarship:

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- This endowed scholarship was started with gifts from college family and friends in honor of Bob's instructional legacy at Kalamazoo Valley.
- Students must have at least 3.0 GPA.
Carroll F. & Luna P. Nursing Scholarship:
- For students enrolled in the Nursing program.
- applicants must be Michigan residents and admitted to the second year nursing program.
- must be enrolled for at least three credit hours and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- document current community/volunteer activities, including the dates of activities.
- must be described on the scholarship application.
Charles W. Smith Scholarship:
- This endowed scholarship was established by Charles W. Smith in memory of Donald Francis Smith.
- For students pursuing Industrial Careers or Elementary Education.
- GPA.
- Preference will be given to Van Buren County residents.
Dr. Scholarship:
- For students in the following areas: Human Services, Social Work, Teaching, Health Careers.
- completed at least 24 credit hours at Kalamazoo Valley with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- students pursuing a bachelor's or higher degree.
Dr. Terence R. Dental Hygiene Scholarship:
- For students in the dental hygiene program as a second-year student and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Eligible applicants must not be "Kalamazoo Promise" eligible.
Carl Hagenbaugh/Kalamazoo Elks #50 Scholarship:

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- This endowed scholarship was established In honor of Carl Hagenbaugh, a former chair of Kalamazoo Elks #50 and as a legacy of the Kalamazoo Elks Club and its values of charity, justice and brotherly love.
- credit hours (not including summer) and be in district.
- candidate for this award.
- Student should have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
H. Lorraine And Sharon K. Scholarship:
- have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at Kalamazoo Valley with a 3.0 GPA.
- enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours.
Janet G. Allkins Scholarship:
- This endowed scholarship was established by Patrick Allkins in honor and memory of his mother, Janet G. Allkins, who died as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
John LaSotta Scholarship:
- For students enrolled in a drafting or technology-related program.
- of six credit hours) and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Judith A. Hagenbaugh Scholarship:
- Technology program.
- Must have a 2.5 or higher GPA.
Leonard L. Scholarship:
- Eligible Applicants must be enrolled in the Industrial Trades/Engineering, Design & Manufacturing Technology Program.
- Must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at KVCC and meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- completed at least 24 credit hours at Kalamazoo Valley with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Marion M. and Leo F. Scholarship:
- This award established in honor of Marion M.
- hours in an Industrial/Professional Trades program.
- May be in-district or out- of- district.
- completed 12 credit hours at Kalamazoo Valley with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Martin E. Chilcutt Scholarship:
- This scholarship, established by veteran Martin Chilcutt, is designed to encourage service-connected disabled veterans to advance their education in any field.
Martin E. Obed Scholarship:
- This endowed scholarship was established by the Obeds to increase the opportunity for more students to graduate from Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
- This scholarship is for a member of the KVCC Computer Club.
Oshtemo Rotary Club Scholarship:
- This endowed scholarship, in honor of former Rotary Club Presidents, is funded by the Oshtemo Rotary Club.
- Valley and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Must also be a resident of Oshtemo Charter Township.
Paul D. and Mary G. Scholarship:
- The family of Paul D. and Mary G. their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents in recognition of Mr.
- This scholarship is named after Paul D. of Kalamazoo Valley and served as treasurer on the original Board of Directors at the College.
Portage Public Safety Foundation Scholarship:
- This annual scholarship was established by the Portage Public Safety Foundation to support students entering into public safety-related careers.
Raymond E. and Jessie M. Scholarship:
- Funded by and named for Raymond E.
- Program.
- and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Richard A. Marketing Scholarship:
- marketing.
Richard M. Odell Scholarship:
- Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a health-related program.
- completed at least 24 credit hours at Kalamazoo Valley and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- enrolled at least half-time for the fall semester.
R.M. Collins Scholarship:
- of Rena Marceil Collins.
- completed at least 12 credit hours at Kalamazoo Valley with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours.
Robert M. Honors Scholarship:
- Chemical/Physical Sciences, AS degree program of study.
- hours at KVCC and be enrolled full-time with an overall 3.0 GPA.
Theresa Millin Nursing Scholarship:
- Established to help prepare RN nursing students for the expenses associated with professionalization after leaving college.
- Established in 2024 by Theresa Millin, RN-BC, CPN, CPON.
Marine Sergeant Bill Becker Scholarship:
- In honor of Marine Sergeant Bill Becker, this scholarship is for a reserve, active duty or veteran Marine Corps member.
- Must be enrolled in at least six credit hours.
- Must submit a 200-300-word essay about his or her pride in both the Marines and in our country.
Havirmill Cafe and 418 Restaurant Scholarship:
- operating the Havirmill Cafe and 418 Restaurant.
- at Kalamazoo Valley and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
General Scholarships:
- Valley and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Documented need required.
- apply.
Anonymous Donor Scholarship:
- This scholarship is provided by an anonymous donor.
- Program at Kalamazoo Valley.
- Student can not be Kalamazoo Promise Eligible.
- Preference iven to in-district students.
- Practitioner Program.
- a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Disabled Veteran Scholarship:
- To be eligible for this scholarship you must be documented as a disabled veteran of the United States military.
Food Systems Scholarship:
- Student should have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Food Systems program. Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- apply.
Industrial/Professional Trades Scholarship:
- Marion M. and Leo F.
- hours in an Industrial/Professional Trades program.
- May be in-district or out- of- district.
- completed 12 credit hours at Kalamazoo Valley with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
KVCC Computer Club Scholarship:
- This scholarship is for a member of the KVCC Computer Club.
Nursing Scholarship:
- Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled in the Nursing program and be a Kalamazoo County resident.
- Applicants should be individuals who show compassion, sensitivity, and an extraordinary commitment to the ideals of the profession.
- with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
- Must be enrolled for fall or winter in at least 9 credit hours.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities at KVCC

Emergency Scholarship: Any Kalamazoo County resident education may be eligible for an emergency scholarship. Kalamazoo County residents shall be defined as any person currently residing in Kalamazoo County, or who maintains a permanent residence in Kalamazoo County but is currently attending an educational institution outside of Kalamazoo County. Students must be pursuing post-secondary education, meaning they are no longer pursuing a high school degree, regardless of whether they graduated or have a diploma. Funds from this scholarship can be used to cover a broad range of expenses, which will continue to evolve.*Current college students must declare or be enrolled in the KVCC, AAS or CERT. Current high school students must have intention of enrolling in the KVCC Illustration or Animation program and must provide a letter of recommendation from their high school art instructor.

Kalamazoo College Scholarships and Grants

Kalamazoo College offers various scholarships and grants, including merit-based, need-based, and endowed scholarships.

Types of Aid

Scholarships and grants: These are “gift aid” and do not need to be repaid.
Merit Scholarships: Awarded to incoming first-year or transfer students by the Office of Admission based on academic achievement.
Fine Arts Scholarships: Have a separate essay/formal application process defined by the Office of Admission.
Need-based scholarships and grants: Awarded based on the results of the yearly FAFSA. Students are automatically considered when they file a FAFSA, with no additional forms or applications needed.
Kalamazoo Grant: Awarded based on financial need from college funds and is renewable each year when a FAFSA is filed. This grant automatically renews for international students and may be replaced by an endowed scholarship.
Federal Awards: Include Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), awarded from federal funds granted to Kalamazoo College. Both are need-based, with SEOG priority given to Pell Grant recipients.
Endowed Scholarships: Provided through the generosity of individuals who have donated money to the College. These are renewable each year when a FAFSA is filed, as long as the student continues to demonstrate financial need and meets the scholarship’s eligibility requirements. Recipients are expected to write a letter of thanks to the donor.

State of Michigan Awards

Students who are permanent residents of the state of Michigan may be eligible for several different awards:

Michigan Competitive Scholarship: Eligibility is based on financial need and merit. Students can be awarded up to $3,000 per year through this program. Only students who graduated from high school prior to 2023 are eligible.
Michigan Tuition Grant: Eligibility is based only on financial need. Students can be awarded up to $3,000 per year through this program. Only students who first received this award prior to the 2024-25 academic year are eligible to receive it.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship: Students who graduated high school in 2023 or later with an Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA of 30,000 or less are eligible. Students can be awarded up to $5,500 per year through this program.
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP): To be eligible, a student must have received Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-month period between age nine and high school completion. Kalamazoo College is a Phase II school, meaning that eligible students will begin receiving TIP their junior year.

Eligibility for state awards is re-evaluated yearly based on the FAFSA, which must be filed by July 1.

Additional Scholarship Resources

Private Organizations: Scholarships are available from various private organizations.
Community Foundations and Businesses: Local community foundations and businesses are great resources for scholarships.
High School Guidance Counselors: Current high school students should consult with their guidance counselor for scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships360: Create a Scholarships360 account to confirm eligibility for the Kalamazoo Community Foundation General Scholarship Application.

The Importance of Thank-You Notes

Scholarship recipients are often expected to write a personal note of thanks to the donors of the scholarship fund they receive. This act of gratitude not only acknowledges the donor's generosity but also fosters a sense of connection between the student and the community supporting their education.

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