The variety of scholarships available through the Community Foundation is made possible by generous donors who have established the funds, often in honor of a loved one or to support students from their alma mater or home town.
Our online application connects students with any scholarships for which they may be eligible. To apply, start here.
The information below is also available in our downloadable 2024-25 Scholarship Catalog.
The Alberto Moreno Scholarship Fund was established in 2002 to honor the memory of the donor’s grandfather and support others who share Alberto’s devotion to learning. Alberto Moreno became a naturalized citizen in the early 1900s. He had few resources to provide for his large family, in part because he had been unable to acquire a formal education. Nonetheless, he fostered in his children a respect and a hunger for learning and an appreciation for what education can provide for those who work hard and honestly. Sacrifices were many, often food and clothing were scarce, yet each child was instilled with these values. The entire family worked hard to create opportunities for the pursuit of education and to support each other as they obtained the education each wanted. Though other luxuries were forfeited, each child grew into an accomplished adult armed with a master’s degree and a commitment to contribute to their family, their society and their country.
Criteria
- Graduating high school student from Emmet County who is continuing his or her education at a four-year college or university.
- Academic performance must be sufficient to meet college entrance requirements.
- Preference will be given to students who have participated in school activities and volunteer community activities.
- Preference will also be given to students who participated in a school soccer program.
Award Details
$2,500 for one year; non-renewable.
This fund was established in 1999 by the members of the Stephen and Vivian Rose Kelbel family. The goals of the fund are to pay tribute to its namesake, who was an outstanding student at Petoskey High School until injuries received in a tragic automobile accident curtailed her high school experience; to encourage participation in two of Amy’s favorite activities: debate and forensics; and to assist graduates in fulfilling their own educational aspirations.
Criteria
- Student graduating from Petoskey High School who will continue his/her education at a college, university, or community college. This scholarship is also open to home school students.
- Selection based on academic performance and citizenship.
- Preference will be given to students who have participated in debate and/or forensics.
Award Details
$1,500 for one year; non-renewable.
The Angeldee Trade Scholarship, established in 2023, aims to support graduates of Petoskey High School in their pursuit of an education within the trades.
Criteria
- Graduating high school student from Petoskey High School who is continuing their education at an accredited college, university, community college, trade/technical school, or vocational institution to obtain a degree license in a trade.
- Examples of a trade include, but are not limited to: electrician, plumber, nurse, cosmetologist, EMS technician, firefighter, etc..
- Selection based on financial need and academic excellence.
Award Details
$1,000 for one year; non-renewable.
The Anna Funk Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Anna's parents and sister through donations from family and friends to honor Anna’s memory. Anna was a teacher her entire life. Her graduation from Alma College in 1994, with a degree in elementary education, only made this distinction official. The following is Anna’s teaching philosophy: “I believe that all children can learn. No matter their background or level of intelligence, I believe that all children can succeed. It is my job as a teacher to be patient, put forth time and effort, and establish a creative, motivational, and stimulating learning environment that encourages success. I also believe that as a teacher, I must support the emotional development of a child, as well as the intellectual. I feel that a child must be helped to discover and develop his/her own uniqueness and learn to share it with others. He/she must be encouraged to do his/her best and to be the best person possible.” Anna’s teaching career was brief, as she died from brain cancer at age 23. Through the establishment of this scholarship fund, it is her family’s hope that Anna’s passion for teaching others will continue.
Criteria
- Student graduating from Harbor Springs High School who will continue his/her education at a four-year college/university, community college, technical or vocational college.
- Selection based on achieving full academic potential; exhibiting a well balanced academic, social and spiritual lifestyle.
- Financial need will be taken into account and will be a deciding factor with applicants of equal qualities.
Award Details
At least $1,500 for one year; non-renewable.
The Baiardi Family Foundation Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 by the trustees of the Baiardi Family Foundation to aid academically excellent graduates of Harbor Springs High School, Harbor Light Christian School, Petoskey High School, St. Michael Academy or Concord Academy-Petoskey in pursuing their education.
Criteria
- High school students graduating in the current year from Harbor Springs High School, Harbor Light Christian School, Petoskey High School, St. Michael Academy or Concord Academy-Petoskey who are continuing their education at a four-year college or university in the coming fall.
- Selection will be based on academic excellence and financial need.
Award Details
Three awards for $1,500 each for one year. Award is non-renewable and must be used in the academic year for which it is awarded. Recipients will be required to submit a thank you note to donors before the funds can be released.
In 2011, the Baiardi Family Foundation committed to providing additional scholarship opportunities to high school students from Alanson and Pellston Public Schools.
Criteria
- High school students graduating in the current year from Alanson High School and/or Pellston High School who are continuing their education at a Community College in the coming fall.
- Selection will be based on academic excellence and financial need.
Award Details
Two awards for $1,500 each for one year. Award is non-renewable and must be used in the academic year for which it is awarded. Recipients will be required to submit a thank you note to donors before the funds can be released.
This fund was established in 1999 by Barry Potter, a graduate of Pellston High School. This scholarship is meant to help a Pellston High School graduate continue his/her education, preferably in the fields of computer science or health.
Criteria
- High school graduate from Pellston High School who will be enrolled at least half time at a college, university or technical college.
- Must have attended school in Pellston grade 9-12 at least two years.
- Selection based primarily on financial need.
- Additional criteria include: scholastic ability, attendance, community service, character, leadership, attitude, and citizenship.
- Preference will be given to students pursuing studies in computer science or health-related field.
Award Details
$1,000 for one-year. Students may apply for renewal, but priority will be given to graduating students.
The Café Society Educational Fund Scholarship was established in 2010 by artist William Hosner and friends to provide assistance to further education for high school graduates who work or have worked at a regional coffee house.
Criteria
- High school graduate or GED holder living in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, or Leelanau counties who works or worked at a coffee house for at least one year to pursue an education at an accredited college, university, community college, trade/technical school, art school, or vocational institution.
- A regional coffee house is defined as a public establishment with headquarters and locations in the mentioned counties that is primarily engaged in preparing and serving coffee. Examples include but are not limited to Populace, North Perk, Roast & Toast Coffee & Café, Cuppa Joe, and Higher Grounds Trading Co.
- Based on financial need and clearly defined personal goals.
Award Details
$1,000 for one year; non-renewable.
The C.W. “Mac” McClellan Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 by a group of Mac’s friends to honor his service to his community in general, and the Republican Party in particular. Mac McClellan always had a keen interest in history and politics and this scholarship is meant to assist a student from Emmet County, preferably in the study of political science and/or history.
Criteria
- High school senior graduating from an Emmet County high school; planning to attend a college or university at least half time.
- Selection based on scholastic ability and citizenship.
- Some weight will be given to financial need.
- Preference will be given to students with an interest in the study of political science or history.
Award Details
$1,000 for one-year; non-renewable.
The mission of The First Tee of Northern Michigan is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. This fund was established in 2011 to encourage participation in The First Tee Program and promote the values instilled by the Program.
Criteria
- Graduating high school student or post-high school student from an Emmet, Charlevoix or Cheboygan high school or Emmet, Charlevoix or Cheboygan County resident homeschool student who is continuing his or her education at an accredited college, university, community college, trade/technical school or vocational institution.
- Applicant must have been an active member or coach of The First Tee program during high school or post-high school.
- Financial need, academic strength, and involvement in various community service opportunities.
- Level of participation in the First Tee program will also be a selection factor.
Award Details
At least $1,000 for one year. Renewable based on selection criteria. At the end of each academic year renewable applicants must submit grade transcripts from the previous year and proof of enrollment for the coming year as soon as possible.
The Gerald Gramzay Stafford’s Hospitality Culinary Scholarship Fund was created in 2013 as a legacy for Gerald and to remember his contributions to the culinary arts at Stafford’s Hospitality and in the greater community.
Criteria
- Person who is at least 18 years old and lives in, or is from Emmet or Charlevoix county, and who is continuing his or her education at an accredited college, university, community college, trade/technical/vocational school to pursue a career in the culinary arts or hospitality, or who has work experience in hospitality.
- Selection is based on financial need and academic performance as well as the extent to which the student meets his/her full potential.
- First preference will be given to applicants pursuing a career in culinary arts or hospitality. Second preference will be given to applicants with work experience in hospitality.
- Application essay should address the Stafford’s Hospitality Value Statement: “We believe in our values. We believe in treating every guest and employee as a member of our family. We believe in developing every member of our team to reach his or her fullest potential. We believe that Good Enough is not Good Enough. You will never hear, ‘It’s not my job’. You will always hear, ‘How may I help you?’”
Award Details
$1,500 for one year; non-renewable.
The Harbor Springs Opportunity Scholarship was established in 2016 by three Harbor Springs High School alumni from the class of 2009, to support graduates of Harbor Springs High School in their pursuit of furthering their education.
Criteria
- A high school student graduating in the current year from Harbor Springs High School who is continuing their education at an accredited college, university, community college, trade/technical/vocational school.
- Selection is primarily based on applicants demonstrating financial need.
- Additional criteria to be considered for applicants with equal financial need: evidence of well-balanced academic achievement and extracurricular involvement that demonstrates the student’s full potential.
Award Details
Two $1,000 awards for one year; non-renewable.
The Home Builders Association of Northern Michigan Building Industry Career Scholarship Fund was established in 2002 to benefit residents of Emmet or Charlevoix counties interested in a career in the building trades industry.
Criteria
- Residents of Emmet County or Charlevoix County seeking certification or a degree at a college, university, or technical school for a career in the building industry.
- This scholarship is also open to adults seeking continuing education or a career change.
- Selection is based on grades, record of work, attendance record, personal commitment and a single page essay answering “Why do you want to be part of the building industry?”
- Experience in the building trades is a plus.
Award Details
$1,000 for one year; non-renewable.
The James and Carolyn Cloutier Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 by James and Carolyn Cloutier to help deserving Harbor Springs students continue to reach their goals. They believe in the importance of giving back to their community and investing in the youth of the community. As dedicated and enthusiastic high school sports supporters, they know that much learning takes place through the teamwork of sports.
Criteria
- Graduating high school student from Harbor Springs High School continuing his or her education at an accredited college, university, community college, trade/technical school or vocational institution.
- Students must have participated in Harbor Springs High School sanctioned or club sports during high school.
- Applicant should demonstrate a strong interest and participation in sports throughout his/her high school years (need not be all four years).
- Financial need and academic strength will also be considered.
Award Details
$1,000 for one year; non-renewable.
The Janet and Richard Gorman Scholarship Fund was established in 1995 by Richard, former Petoskey City Manager, and his wife, Janet, to help students from the Petoskey Public Schools further their education.
Criteria
- Petoskey High School students who will attend a college, university, junior college or community college in the state of Michigan.
- Selection based on scholastic ability and financial need.
- Preference will be given to students seeking a degree in engineering.
Award Details
$1,000 for one year; non-renewable.
The Jeffrey Bodzick Scholarship was established in 2023 to create a legacy for Jeffrey and remember his life-long connection and contributions to our community. This scholarship was established to provide financial support for students who are not at the top of their class but performing to the best of their abilities.
Criteria
- Graduating high school student from the following six area high schools: Petoskey High School, Harbor Springs High School, Pellston High School, Alanson High School, Harbor Light Christian School, Mackinaw City High School.
- Eligible students will be continuing their education at an accredited college, university, community college, trade/technical/vocational school.
- Preference for students who are not top of their class but performing to the best of their abilities.
- Student’s personality and character should be in alignment with Jeff’s based, partially, on student’s response to the essay prompt: “Write an essay on all you can find about Jeff Bodzick and why Jeff would be proud for you to receive this scholarship in his name.
Award Details
$3,000 for one year; non-renewable. One scholarship award to one student from each of the six eligible high schools.
Since 1993, the Kullik family and friends have been awarding a college scholarship to a graduating senior from Petoskey High School. In 2007, Northern Imaging Associates, P.C. established the Jennifer A. Kullik Memorial Scholarship Fund within the Community Foundation to create a permanent legacy to Jennifer. Jennifer was a person who exhibited a love of children and was very kind to the elderly, especially her grandparents. She also had a great love of music and played several instruments, including piano, keyboard, flute and clarinet. Her interest in softball started as a Pigtail and progressed through Junior League, Junior Varsity and Varsity. Jennifer’s exceptional relationship with her parents was the basis for her strong values and positive attitude. She was known as someone who was always prompt, dependable and responsible. Jenny was an excellent student, especially in science and math.
Criteria
- High school student graduating from Petoskey High School or St. Michael Academy who will continue his/her education at an accredited college, university, or community college.
- Selection is based on scholastic excellence (GPA of 3.0 or better) and personality, including promptness, dependability, responsibility, and positive attitude.
- Preference will be given to students who demonstrate strengths in math and science and who possess values similar to Jennifer’s.
- Financial need will be taken into account; preference may be given to families who demonstrate need, but may not quality for official need-based aid.
- A minimum two-page essay speaking to this selection criteria is required.
Award Details
$3,000 for one year; non-renewable.
To preserve the Objects of Kiwanis and the values of the Kiwanis Club of Harbor Springs, its members established this scholarship in November 2016 to promote the continuing education of Harbor Springs High School graduates.
Criteria
- Graduating high school students from Harbor Springs High School who are continuing his/her education.
- Selection is based on the student’s success in reaching his/her full potential to the best of his/her abilities.
- Financial need may be taken into consideration but does not have to be the deciding factor.
- Preference will be given to students who are members of the Key Club at Harbor Springs High School.
Award Details
Nine (9) $1,000 awards for one-year; non-renewable.
The Little Traverse Literary Guild Scholarship was created in 2023 by the Little Traverse Literary Guild to provide a renewable, annual scholarship promoting the literary pursuits of public school students in the Char-Em Intermediate School District. The greater Little Traverse Bay area has a rich history in arts, literature, and music. In support of the Guild's mission to develop and support a community of writers, the scholarship was created to encourage young writers.
Criteria
- Students graduating from any public high school in the Char-Em Intermediate School District who is continuing their education at an accredited college, university, or community college.
- Eligible students will be pursuing a writing career, in the broadest sense of the term, including but not limited to careers in technical writing, grant writing, journalism, teaching, political science, creative writing, etc.
- A writing sample(s) with a topic(s) of their choosing between 1,500 and 2,000 words
- GPA of 2.5 and above
Award Details
$1,500 for one-year; renewable up to three additional years.
The Marshall-Parker Family Scholarship Fund was created in 2013 to provide an annual scholarship to graduates of Pellston Public Schools and to create a lasting legacy for the William Marshall and Phyllis Marshall (Parker) families and their connection to the Pellston area. It is the intent of the Fund to promote and encourage others to pursue their education and fulfill their potential. If no Pellston High School student applies or is eligible, this scholarship may be awarded to a high school student of any other Emmet County high school.
Criteria
- High school student graduating from Pellston High School who is continuing his or her education at a college/university, community college or an accredited ‘trade school’. Students from other Emmet County high schools are eligible to apply, but will only be considered if no Pellston High School student applies or is eligible.
- First preference will be given to students attending Central Michigan University or Michigan Technological University to study in the areas of engineering, science or education.
- Selection will be based on academic excellence and financial need.
- Academic excellence is of paramount importance to the donors.
Award Details
$1,000 for one year. This scholarship can be renewed by the previous year’s recipient for up to three consecutive years following the initial award. A Michigan Technological University student must maintain a 3.0 GPA. A CMU or other school student must maintain a 3.5 GPA. Renewal application must be initiated by the recipient by January 15 of the current school year to allow enough time to promote the scholarship to high school seniors if renewal does not take place.
The Marshall-Smith Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 by Pellston Public School graduates Patricia (Marshall) Smith (1973) and Daniel L. Smith (1970) to aid a selected Pellston Public High School graduating senior pursuing studies that involve science, technology, engineering and/or math.
Criteria
- High school students graduating from Pellston High School and continuing his or her education at an accredited public two-year community college, four-year college or university or vocational school involving studies in the fields of science, technology, engineering and/or math.
- This scholarship is also open to homeschool students in the Pellston school district.
- Selection based on financial need.
Award Details
Two (2) $2,500 awards for one-year; renewals will be considered.
The Marty Van De Car Memorial Scholarship was established in 2023 by Marty’s family, through donations from their family and friends to honor Marty’s life and legacy. His parents, Sarah M. and Charles D. Van De Car Jr., valued higher education and instilled the need to earn a college degree in all three of their children. His mother, Sarah Van De Car, from the King and Kenoshmeg family lines, was a humble nurse who led by example and earned her nursing degree in the 1950s when it was not easy for any woman, especially one of American Indian lineage, to earn a college degree. All three of her children then followed in her footsteps. Marty attended North Central Michigan College and then Central Michigan University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science. He worked tirelessly for both the tribal and non-tribal communities to build community and bridges between each culture. He knew that when each community worked together and truly valued the other, that resources could go further, and programs could expand and grow. This scholarship fund aims to continue Marty’s legacy of promoting his cultural heritage and community building by assisting another to build community through their education endeavors.
Criteria
- Graduating Emmet County high school student or currently enrolled student who is an Emmet County resident who is continuing their education at an accredited college, university, community college, or eligible trade/technical/vocational institution.
- Preference given to an American Indian student. Students should provide a copy of their tribal identification card or letter from the tribal enrollment office.
- Selection based on essay response highlighting how students plan to utilize their degree/program of study to build community, honor, and share one’s cultural heritage.
Award Details
$1,000 for one year; non-renewable.
The Mary McClutchey Amacher Scholarship Fund was established in 1995 by Mary’s family and friends to help other graduates of Pellston High School further their education.
Criteria
- High school graduates from the Pellston Public School district.
- Selection based on scholastic ability and financial need.
Award Details
$1,000 for one year; non-renewable.
The Michael Gale Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2010 by family and friends to honor Michael Phillips, a Harbor Springs businessman.
Criteria
- Graduating student from Harbor Springs High School who is continuing his or her education at an accredited community college, trade/technical school or vocational institution in Michigan in automotive trades, building trades, nursing or allied health medical field.
- Financial need is the first priority.
- Recipient must be pursuing a career in the automotive trades, building trades, nursing or allied health medical field.
- Student must be attending a community college or other post-secondary program or vocational training program.
- No selection will be made if the selection committee feels the criteria have not been met.
Award Details
$4,000 for one year; non-renewable.
This scholarship fund, established in 1999, will assist graduating seniors from Emmet County high schools to continue their education at a college, university, community college, technical or vocational school in the United States and encourage them to pursue their course of study in math, science, or business. The fund is meant to help those students with the scholastic ability, but not necessarily the financial ability, to reach their full potential.
Criteria
- High school seniors graduating from an Emmet County high school with a GPA of at least 3.0 who plans to attend a college, university, technical or vocational school in the United States at least half time.
- This scholarship is open to home school students.
- Selection based on scholastic ability and financial need. Preference will be given to students who will be studying math, science, or business curricula.
Award Details
$2,000 for one year; non-renewable.
The Petoskey Area Business and Professional Women’s Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 with the intent to encourage and support further education for local women.
Criteria
- Female resident of Emmet County and high school graduate (within the last two years, with a minimum 3.0 grade point average) who will be attending North Central Michigan College.
- Selection is based primarily on financial need.
Award Details
$1,000 or more for one year; non-renewable.
The Robert Jensen Dau Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2019 by his daughter and her family. A native of Petoskey, Robert was proud of the town he grew up in and a lifelong supporter of education. This scholarship is meant to help students of Petoskey High School reach their highest potential. Continuing Robert’s legacy, his family hopes this scholarship will give a student a four year commitment to achieve their true potential and the means to pursue their dream. Learn more about the Robert Jensen Dau Foundation here.
Criteria
- Student graduating from Petoskey High School who is continuing his or her education at an accredited college, university, or community college in the state of Michigan.
- Students may attend a community college for two years and transfer to a college or university in year 3.
- Preference will be given to students attending a public school/university.
- Strong academic record, work experience, community service, demonstration of good character and personal recommendation from a member of the community.
- Persons showing financial need will be given preference.
Award Details
$3,000 for one-year; renewable up to three additional years.
This scholarship was established in 2013 to create a legacy for Sara J. Latimer and remember her involvement in Redpath Memorial Presbyterian Church, Cross Village, Michigan.
Criteria
- A graduating high school student or adult resident from the northern Emmet County region who is continuing his or her education at a university, college, community college, or trade/technical/vocational school.
- Preference will be given to applications with financial need; who have a good academic record that reflects they have achieved to the best of their ability; who have work experience in northern Michigan; who have been involved in extracurricular or community activities or volunteering; who can clearly describe their future plans; and who reside in the Cross Village area at least one month per year.
Award Details
$1,000 for one year; non-renewable.
This scholarship was established in 2010 to benefit participants of the Petoskey High School and Petoskey Youth Soccer Association soccer programs.
Criteria
- Current graduating Petoskey High School student who is continuing his or her education at an accredited college, university, or community college.
- Applicant must have participated in the Petoskey High School soccer program for four years and also participated in the Petoskey Youth Soccer Association for a minimum of four years.
- Selection based on financial need and an essay titled, “Life Lessons Learned Through Soccer.”
Award Details
$500 for one year; non-renewable.
Throughout the years, Stafford and Janice Smith have improved the hospitality industry, educated young people, preserved and shared history, developed communities, and so much more. To celebrate 50 years of Stafford’s Hospitality and 50 years of marriage, friends and employees of Stafford’s Hospitality established the Fund in 2011 to honor and preserve Stafford and Janice’s legacy.
Criteria
- High school student graduating from an Emmet County school who is continuing his or her education at an accredited college, university, community college, trade/technical school or vocational institution to pursue a career in hospitality or education.
- Based on financial need and academic performance of the student that meets his or her full potential.
- Preference will be given to graduates of Petoskey High School and who have participated in the Rotary STRIVE mentoring program.
- Preference will also be given to applicants with work experience in hospitality or education.
- Applicant essay should address the Stafford’s Hospitality Value Statement: “We believe in our values. We believe in treating every guest and employee as a member of our family. We believe in developing every member of our team to reach his or her fullest potential. We believe that Good Enough is not Good Enough. You will never hear, ‘It’s not my job’. You will always hear, ‘How may I help you?’”
Award Details
$1,500 for one year; non-renewable.
The Thomas Dale Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 to benefit students of Alanson Public Schools. Following his military service in World War II, Tom Dale taught for many years at Alanson Public School where he assumed many positions including teacher, basketball coach, band director, principal, and finally superintendent.
Criteria
- Graduating seniors who are residents of the Alanson School District who will continue their education at a four-year college/university, community college, technical or vocational college.
- Selection based on academic excellence and financial need.
Award Details
$750 for one year; non-renewable.