How to apply for nearly $900K in scholarships with one application

Each year, the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area (CFHZ) awards more than $900,000 in scholarships. 

The 2023 general application, which allows students to apply for multiple scholarships at once with an easy-access application, is now open. The deadline for the general application is March 1 at 5 p.m. 

Graduating high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school are all encouraged to apply. More information about how to apply, the recommendation process, and additional guidelines can be found at www.cfhz.org/apply-for-scholarships.

The list of scholarship opportunities is extensive and includes offerings for students interested in a wide variety of future careers.

Taylor Twork, a fourth-year student at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where she studies special education, is a recipient of the Thomas and Susan Den Herder Education Scholarship. 

“Every semester, I reflect upon the generosity of the donors who established the scholarship and what that has meant for me. College, especially this upcoming semester with so many credits, is incredibly expensive, but their financial support has been very helpful and appreciated,” Twork says.

 These scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses that want to invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

New scholarship funds

In the past year alone, nine new scholarship funds have been established at CFHZ. Most of these new scholarship opportunities, along with more than 100 others, can be applied for using the general application available online. These five new scholarships are offered area-wide:
 

• Randy Boileau Storyteller Scholarship, for high school seniors enrolling at GVSU and majoring in marketing, advertising, public relations, journalism, video production, graphic design, or a related subject.
   
• Carolyn L. Ballard and Beverly J. Schoch Scholarship, for high school seniors enrolling in college to pursue degrees in education.
   
• Global Concepts Enterprise, Inc., Founders’ Scholarship, for the dependent children of Global Concepts Enterprise employees.
   
• The Bridge Youth Center Student Education Scholarship, for high school seniors who are current or previous attendees or volunteers at The Bridge Youth Center.
   
• Irv and Irene Boersen Scholarship, for members of Regional Synod of the Great Lakes churches who are pursuing a Master of Divinity at Western Theological Seminary with the intention to become pastors.

Haworth scholarships

In addition to its general scholarships, CFHZ invites students to apply for scholarships requiring separate applications, which include the Haworth Skilled Trades Scholarship and the Haworth Diversity Scholarship with Paid Internship. Applications for the Haworth awards are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 14 and can be found online at www.cfhz.org/apply-for-scholarships.

Two $2,000 Haworth Skilled Trades Scholarships are available to the public. To be considered, students must confirm enrollment in or entering a certification, associate degree (AAAS), or skilled trade/vocational program that will support a manufacturing career in one of the following areas: carpentry, CNC machining/programming, electrical, electronics technology, heating ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC) technician, industrial maintenance, machinist, machine repair, manufacturing technology, model maker, plumbing, tool and die, welding, etc.

Five $2,000 Haworth Diversity Scholarships with Paid Work Experience or Internship are available to the public. To be considered, students must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate college or university with a sophomore, junior, or senior status by Fall 2023; must be available for a 12-week internship (40 hours/week) beginning in May 2023 until August 2023 at Haworth Headquarters in Holland, Michigan; must be studying business, design, engineering, finance, human resources, IT, manufacturing, marketing, sales, or supply chain; and must be a member of one of the following minority groups: American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Two or More Races.*

*For additional eligibility requirements visit www.haworth.com/company-info/student-opportunities. 

Questions about CFHZ’s scholarship program can be directed to Stacy Timmerman, Director of Scholarships, at stimmerman@cfhz.org. Students and families who need assistance in Spanish can contact Yadah Ramirez, Program Officer/College Success Coach, at yramirez@cfhz.org. Para obtener ayuda en español, comuníquese con el oficial del programa/consejera universitaria Yadah Ramirez: yramirez@cfhz.org