Inherit the Dream Scholarship Application | Grand Rapids Community College

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Inherit the Dream Scholarship

Each year, Grand Rapids Community College honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by supporting students who embody his spirit of leadership, service and inclusion. An annual scholarship will be awarded to an in-coming freshman full-time student. Recipients must demonstrate commitment to the principles of justice, equality and service to the community, reflecting the spirit and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

More than sixty students have already received this award — each one a reflection of Dr. King’s belief that education is the key to unlocking opportunity and advancing justice. Recipients are recognized during GRCC’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in January.

If you are a graduating senior who strives to lead, serve and create positive change, we encourage you to apply and carry Dr. King’s dream forward.

Application deadline: Dec. 7, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.

Steps to Apply

Applications must be submitted with the following attachments:

Answer the two prompt questions on the application.
One written letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, or mentor.
A high school transcript.

Application materials must be submitted on December 7th by 11:59 p.m. to: wcima@grcc.edu

Eligibility

Graduating senior enrolled in Kent Intermediate School District.
Involved in community service or activities in support of diversity and inclusion.
Must be accepted into Grand Rapids Community College with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

Contact Information

Anticipated Program of Study

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Date of Birth

Contact Phone

High School Information

Name of High School Attended

Address

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Type your responses

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated, “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” He believed that the path to a just society, which he called the “Beloved Community,” required action built on the principles of nonviolence, courage and selfless service. In your response, please address the following:

Describe a specific project, volunteer work or community activity where you actively worked to fight injustice, promote equality or serve the needs of others?

How do you plan to continue building stronger communities through service, advocacy or your future career?

Documents

Letter of Recommendation

One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: txt rtf pdf doc docx odt ppt pptx odp xls xlsx ods.

High School Transcript

One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: txt rtf pdf doc docx odt ppt pptx odp xls xlsx ods.

Signature

By submitting this application, you certify that all information provided is true and acknowledge that:

This application is for a privately funded scholarship administered through the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation for students attending GRCC.
All scholarships are for full-time students carrying 12 credits or more. This is not a financial aid application.
It is recommended that you also apply for financial aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and request that a copy be sent to Grand Rapids Community College.

Signature Box

I agree