“My parents have always stressed the importance of education and encouraged me to be better, achieve more than they have. Graduating from college is important to me, so I am working hard. Prayerfully, my efforts will not be in vain…I would like to extend my greatest and utmost gratitude for your generous contributions to my college education, and thus, my future. You’ve made my load a little bit lighter and my future that much brighter.”
Your Gifts I N V E S T E D IN STUDENTS
through Scholarships In another record-breaking year, Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved $1.45 million in scholarships. “The Community Foundation remains committed to increasing education opportunities for first-generation college students,” said Ruth Bishop, education program officer. This year the Community Foundation offered more scholarship opportunities for students interested in pursuing a certification or degree in a construction or technology-related field. “This was due to increased interest by donors in supporting occupational or vocational curriculums. The number of applications and awards for trade-related fields continues to increase, with two new scholarship funds established specifically for technology and mechanical, electrical or structural engineering,” Ruth said.
—Delonte Pearson, 2018 scholarship recipient, pursuing a career in architectural graphic design.
“As I continue my studies at Ferris State University for construction management, I am more than thankful for the opportunity to grow as a young professional. I am looking forward to emerging as a leader in the construction industry and making positive impacts on those in the community who surround me.” —Russell Rothenthaler, 2018 Darooge Family Scholarship recipient, pursuing a career in construction management.
“I am grateful to have family and friends that believe in me. But, sometimes, it takes people that hardly know you to take a chance on you. For this I want to thank you. Because of your generosity, I am closer to my dreams. I am once again in the state of mind where I know I can achieve anything.”
Donors who wish to honor a family member, support education in the community, provide a scholarship at their alma mater or pursue a specific profession often create scholarship funds. These generous community members make it possible for the Community Foundation to award over one million dollars in scholarships every year.
—Christian Lopez, 2018 Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship recipient, pursuing a career in sports medicine or as a physician assistant.
H.G.F.
TOP FIELDS OF STUDY FOR
Scholarship Recipients
—Jaleah Corp, 2018 Dave and Laurie Russell Family Scholarship for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Families recipient, pursuing a career as a registered nurse.
HEALTHCARE
BUSINESS
LAW / SOCIAL SCIENCE
EDUCATION / LANGUAGE
ARTS
SCIENCE / ENGINEERING
2018 SCHOLARSHIP STATISTICS
57% of scholarship awards to first-generation college students
69% will attend college in Michigan
61% of scholarship awards to students from low-income households
PARTNERS in community | 9
“Communities are important because they’re like a big family. They help each other when things get hard, and they make sure no one is left behind…At times I was on the verge of giving up and dropping out of school, because I didn’t think I would get anywhere. Now, here I am, in my last year of high school, making one of the most important decisions of my life. Thank you so much for your contribution. This scholarship will make a very important impact on my future and my next step in life.”