Foundation invites students to apply for more than $860K in scholarships

This year, the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area (CFHZ) will award more than $860,000 in scholarships for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation.

These scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of many local individuals, families, and businesses who believe in investing in the community’s future by furthering the education of others. 

Graduating high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

Easy-access general application

The 2022 general application allows students to apply for multiple scholarships at once with an easy-access form. The window for students to apply is now open, and the deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m. on March 1, 2022. More information about how to apply, the recommendation process, and additional guidelines can be found at cfhz.org/apply-for-scholarships/.

Scholarships are available for a wide range of potential careers, including options for students interested in pursuing positions as first responders such as law enforcement officers, nurses, or teachers. 

Sydney Ritsema was the recipient of the Herbert F. and Mabel L. Olney Memorial Scholarship. She graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a minor in forensic psychology. 

“Receiving the Herbert F. and Mabel L. Olney Memorial Scholarship made a world of difference for me, helping pay for school and allowing me to focus on my studies,” Ritsema says. “During one semester of my senior year, I took 21 credits, and that’s not something I could have done without the assistance of my scholarship. I’m truly grateful to the Olney family for deciding to honor their parents’ legacy by investing in my education.”

Haworth scholarships

In addition to its general scholarships, the Community Foundation invites students to apply for scholarships requiring separate applications, which include the Haworth Skilled Trades Scholarship and the Haworth Diversity Scholarship, which includes paid internships. Applications for the Haworth awards are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 14 and can be found online at cfhz.org/apply-for-scholarships/.

Two $2,000 Haworth Skilled Trades Scholarships are available to the public. To be considered, students must confirm enrollment and plan to continue in a 12- to 24-month certification, associate degree (A.A.A.S.), or skilled trade/vocational program in one of the following areas: carpentry, CNC programming, electrical, electronics technology, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technician, industrial maintenance, machinist, machine repair, manufacturing technology, model maker, plumbing, tool and die, or welding.

Five $2,000 Haworth Diversity Scholarships with paid internships are available to the public. To be considered, students must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate college or university with sophomore or junior status at the time of the application due date; must be available for a 12-week internship (40 hours/week) beginning in May 2022 through August 2022 (preferably) at Haworth headquarters in Holland, Michigan; must be studying business, design, engineering, finance, human resources, IT, manufacturing, marketing, sales, or supply chain; and must be a member of one of the following minority groups: American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. For additional eligibility requirements visit haworth.com/company-info/student-opportunities.
Questions about CFHZ’s scholarship program can be directed to Stacy Timmerman, director of scholarships, at stimmerman@cfhz.org.