Community Foundation Scholarship Program Accepting Applications
The Community Foundation for Oceana County (CFOC) announces that the Foundation Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for 2017. The online application deadline is March 1, 2017. CFOC manages one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, awarding over $170,000 annually to both graduating high school seniors and current college students in new and renewed scholarships each year.
“Generous donors created the 35 scholarship funds that help students achieve the needed training & education for their careers and reduce their overall debt,” said CFOC Executive Director Tammy Carey. “One third of last year’s awards went to first generation college students, and 17% were awarded to Hispanic students.”
The Foundation does not make awards solely on the basis of need. Academic achievement, community involvement, extra-curricular activities, and financial need are all taken into consideration. Many scholarships were created by donors for specific colleges or fields of study. Scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 and will be announced at school awards assemblies in spring 2017.
Applications are submitted electronically through the Foundation’s new website, www.oceana-foundation.org/scholarships. Scholarship applications are managed through a “single general application” method. Each application is reviewed, matched with the best-fitting scholarship sources and awarded on a competitive basis.
“We are excited that we’re able to offer more Oceana County students access to higher education,” said Tammy Carey, CFOC Executive Director. “This is a significant investment in our community and we hope that many of these young adults return to Oceana to live, work, and give back to the community that invested in them.”
The Foundation exists to enhance the lives of the people of Oceana County by leading, promoting and channeling philanthropy to connect resources with needs. It receives and manages contributions from citizens and organizations and has provided $4.1 million in grants and scholarships back to the community since 1989. The Foundation’s offices are in Shelby. More information can be obtained by calling Ms. Carey at 231-861-8335.