Local college grants
graphic by sam adkins
taking advantage of local scholarship opportunities
Most high school students that are beginning to plan out college do not have a stable financial plan. Scholarships are a great solution to this problem because they can provide desperately needed funding for students.
“They can be a huge help with the bottom line amount when looking at colleges,” Mrs. Wagner, St. Joseph High School counselor, said.
1. Each summer, the Whirlpool Foundation gives out several scholarships to children of Whirlpool Corporation employees. This year they will reward eighteen $24,000 Scholarships, thirteen $2,500 Honor Awards and seven $1,000 Incentive Awards to the best and brightest among high school seniors across several different Whirlpool locations.
2. The St. Joseph Lions Club Mergenthaler Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is available to all residents of the St. Joseph Public Schools district and is made possible through Lillian Mergenthaler. It doesn’t require its recipient to attend a 4-year university either. Applicants can attend a college, university, trade, or vocational school.
3. Brian Swiger Memorial Scholarship: Twin City Players created this scholarship in 1996 to honor a former member, Brian Swinger. Graduating seniors from Berrien County high schools who have demonstrated a strong interest in theater-related activities during their academic careers can receive scholarships of up to $1,000. Winners can use the award money to pursue any field of study at any accredited college, university, trade school, or arts education institution.
4. The Lester C. Tiscornia Scholarship: The winner will get $5,000 per year. This is renewable for three additional years for a total of $20,000 for the purpose of attending an accredited college or university. The selection committee looks at Community Service, Extra Curricular School Activities, Academic Achievement, and Financial Need to determine candidates for this scholarship.
5. Howard D. Merchant Memorial Scholarship: The goal of this scholarship is to assist graduating seniors from St. Joseph High School who plan to get a college degree in science. According to their application, “This scholarship is intended to recognize the excellence and leadership of St. Joseph High School students.” If you are a selected winner, you will receive $1,000 annually for 4 years.
6. Sondra J Kaminski Scholarship: This non-renewable scholarship of $2500 is available to graduating seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher. This is a great scholarship to apply for if you have good citizenship and a history of involvement in the community. Preference is given to students going to Western Michigan University, but if you are going somewhere else you should still apply.
7. Frederick S. Upton Foundation Scholarship: Every year, up to 8 students are chosen to receive a non-renewable scholarship of up to $3000. To apply for this scholarship you must be attending a public or private 4-year university or college in Michigan.
“Many of our scholarships are not looking for the highest GPA. Kids with a GPA with a 2.5 can get scholarships if they volunteer, or if they are involved in activities, or if they are in financial need. Encourage every student to think about applying. There are scholarships that we are struggling to find applicants,” Susan Matheny, Project Manager for Berrien County Foundation, said.
Email susanmatheny@berriencommunity.org or talk to one of our school counselors if you have any questions about scholarship opportunities. The application window for most of these hasn’t opened yet but most will be taking applications by December.