Scholarships-Midland Area Community Foundation

Here’s your homework assignment if you need some financial help to attend college or a trade school next fall. Go to the Midland Area Community Foundation’s website to start the on-line process to apply for a scholarship. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 5:00 p.m. Taking the time and effort to apply may be a good investment.  Last year, the foundation awarded 342 scholarships to 232 students. The value of those grants totaled over $800,000. 

“We have new funds and scholarships we’re adding every year…a lot of scholarships are typically set-up in memory of someone.”To be considered for a scholarship, you must complete the eGrant application, which includes submitting your transcripts, writing an essay, and submitting two references. “Don’t wait until the last minute to have someone write a recommendation for you, “ says Heather Crowl, scholarship coordinator and Impact assistant at the foundation.  You’re encouraged to include in the essay information about your background, specific achievements, career choice, and how the scholarship will help you. You should also note if you’re seeking a financial need based scholarship. If so, you’ll have to provide the EFC (expected family contribution) from your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Crowl notes that a few scholarships may require a special, more specific essay but applicants will be notified if that’s needed.
Heather Crowl is the scholarship coordinator and Impact assistant at the MACF.
Crowl says, “Make sure you fill in the full application. Complete it to the best of your ability. That way you can get matched to the best scholarships that fit your needs.”  If selected, applicants may receive up to two scholarships. The amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000. Crowl adds that most are in the $2,500 to $5,000 range, “We have new funds and scholarships we’re adding every year…a lot of scholarships are typically set-up in memory of someone.”

The Midland Area Community Foundation (MACF) first started awarding scholarships after it was founded in 1973.  Donors include individuals, families, service clubs, and businesses. A majority of the scholarships go to high school graduates entering college but students can reapply and sometimes get a scholarship for a second, third, or fourth year.  Scholarships are also available for the trades and adult, non-traditional students.

The scholarship applications are reviewed by volunteers from the community, about 100 are needed. Many have done it for several years, “A lot of them love doing it, and look forward to it,” says Crowl.  To be a volunteer reviewer, please contact the foundation by February 15. The applications will be reviewed beginning March 14 and selections will be made by April 15. Crowl says it’s an online review process, “You can do it at your own pace from the comfort of your home or wherever you’re comfortable.”  The reviewers work in three-person committees who then coordinate how they make their final selections. It may be in person, over the phone, or online.
The Midland Area Community Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships in 2021.
As of mid-January, the foundation received about a dozen submissions. Last year, about 400 applications were submitted. Most are submitted close to the deadline.  Crowl has worked for the foundation since 2002 and has been the scholarship coordinator for eight years, “It’s a nice feeling when you’re helping someone who might not have been able to attend college without a scholarship.”