March 2, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The deadline is approaching for Grand Rapids Community College students to apply for GRCC Foundation scholarships, financial support that can put higher education within reach and change lives.
The deadline for applying for scholarships is March 15, and a common application is available on the GRCC website at grcc.edu/scholarships. The foundation has more than 400 scholarship opportunities and last year distributed more than $1.1 million.
“The pandemic has exacerbated the financial challenges faced by so many of our students,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “A college education is the pathway to a better life, and scholarships, in many cases, make attaining a degree or certificate possible. Completing the application is the first step.”
The information provided in the common application is used to match students with scholarships for which they might be eligible.
“Being the recipient of a scholarship brings a feeling of freedom,” said Cambree Harkema, a student in the Medical Assistant program who earned a Spectrum Healthcare Professional Education Scholarship.
“A weight is lifted off your shoulders. You don't have to worry about how you are going to fund your education. It allows you to focus your attention upon your studies instead of having to wonder how you are going to get the money to pay for your schooling.”
Students also are encouraged to check with individual GRCC departments about additional scholarships. The GRCC scholarship webpage also includes resources to opportunities outside of GRCC, including transfer scholarships through four-year university partners.
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, to be eligible for need-based scholarships, federal Pell Grants, the local Grand Rapids Promise Zone, and statewide Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs.
FAFSA is the federal government’s online form that requires financial and tax information for students and parents, if the students are dependents.
The college is committed to helping students complete the form, and answering any other questions about financial aid and scholarships. Students can connect with GRCC financial aid specialists by phone at (616) 234-4030; email at financialaid@grcc.edu; text at (616) 219-8224; or virtually or in-person by appointment. GRCC has a series of helpful videos available on YouTube’s GRCCtv.
The FAFSA can be completed at fafsa.gov using a computer, tablet or mobile phone. The U.S. Education Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid also has information for students and families available at StudentAid.gov. The form can usually be completed in under an hour.
Anyone wishing to support GRCC students through scholarships can do so through grcc.edu/donate.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.