Complete Your Degree Program
Complete Your Degree Program
The Community Foundation is reimagining how our scholarship programs may better support adult learners. To that end, the Complete Your Degree program was established —a program thoughtfully tailored to meet Oceana’s unique needs.
Now in its third year, CYD offers more than just financial assistance. It provides one-on-one coaching and wraparound support to help adults return to school, stay the course, and complete their education.
By removing financial barriers and delivering personalized support, CYD helps bridge the gap for adult learners—empowering them to earn degrees and credentials that close the skills gap, boost household income, and strengthen Oceana County’s economy.
Support the Complete Your Degree (CYD) Program
Returning to school as an adult is rarely a simple decision. Many adult learners in our community juggle jobs, parenting, caregiving, or housing instability—often while navigating a confusing academic system without a roadmap or support. That’s where Complete Your Degree (CYD) steps in.
CYD is more than a scholarship—it’s a lifeline.
This innovative program provides:
- Up to $5,000 annually for tuition, fees, and books.
- Up to $2,500 per year for essential life needs like childcare, transportation, or other emergency costs.
Coaching That Builds Confidence and Momentum
Each student is connected to a success coach, employed by the Foundation, walks alongside students to provide extra support to ensure CYD students thrive.
The success coach provides encouragement, accountability, and a trusted person to talk to. Our coach helps CYD students navigate the college experience, manage life’s curveballs, and stay on track to reach their goals.
With established partnerships with Muskegon Community College and West Shore Community College, CYD is rooted in collaboration and designed for impact. Plans are already underway to grow this network by creating additional partnerships with local higher education institutions—expanding opportunity and access for even more adult learners across Oceana County.
This is more than a donation—
By investing in the CYD program you are investing in educational equity, economic mobility, and lasting community change. This program is dedicated to helping local adults finish what they started—unlocking potential and building a stronger, more resilient Oceana County.
The need is clear:
- 1 in 3 adults (ages 25–64) in Oceana County have some college credit but no degree—well above the state average.
- 43% of local households are struggling financially—12% live in poverty, and 31% are ALICE (working but unable to meet basic needs).
- With no in-district community college, local students face significantly higher tuition, fees, and travel costs.
For more information, check this Complete Your Degree Handout. If you are interested in supporting or learning more about this initiative, email tammy@oceanafoundation.org
If you are interested in applying to the CYD program or learn more details – click here.
You can help support Oceana’s adult learners by making an online gift to the Complete Your Degree Program Fund here.