SCHOLARSHIPS
Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation
Investing in the next generation of leaders
Through the generosity of Rotarians and donors, the Foundation supports educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills, continue their education, and learn the value of service.
Scholarship programs and application information
The Foundation supports several scholarships for post-secondary education. Each program has its own eligibility requirements and application process; review the individual listing carefully.
DAVID V. AND NANCY A. HUHN SCHOLARSHIP
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Rotary Charities Foundation window for accepting applications for the David A. and Nancy V. Huhn Scholarship/Grant for the 2025 academic year. This scholarship/grant is focused on education, specifically in the technical, mechanical, and engineering areas, which the donor(s) believe will lead to high-demand careers.
The application is open to high school graduates and/or attendees at community colleges, technical colleges, or four-year colleges/universities, however, the recipient must be enrolled in a field related to the intent of the donor(s). Applicants must show certified acceptance at a specific college/university, or, if already enrolled, must provide a certified transcript indicating the next enrolled term/semester.
STRIVE MENTORING AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) is a one-on-one mentoring program offered by Rotary GR at Grand Rapids Public Schools high schools: Ottawa Hills and Union. Mentors and mentees meet weekly to discuss academics, everyday life and to prepare for the future. Mentors and mentees also participate in several volunteer projects and attend Rotary events together. Mentors also help students navigate career options and arrange job shadowing opportunities. Students that successfully complete the program are eligible for scholarships.
Students interested in the program should reach out to their principal or guidance counselors.
Highlights of STRIVE include:
- More than 350 GRPS juniors and seniors have participated in the program since 1995
- More than $350,000 has been awarded in scholarships and thousands of additional dollars have been paid for summer work incentives
- Typically 20-25 students are served each year
- Mentors volunteer up to 1,000
RICHARD AND HELEN DEVOS SCHOLARSHIP
The Richard and Helen DeVos Scholarship was established in 2021 by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation to honor the legacy of Richard and Helen DeVos and their commitment to education. A generous gift from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation to the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation allowed for the creation of this scholarship to support a Michigan resident with tuition and related expenses for Masters level, Doctoral level, or advanced research pursuits at an accredited public or private college or university in Michigan.
The scholarship recipient selected for 2026 will be awarded $25,000. The original listing described the 2026 scholarship application window as open. Confirm current availability with the club.
Students entering an accredited college or university or who are already enrolled in any of the former are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. An important part of the application process is a Statement of Purpose (SoP) (please see below), demonstrating why the scholarship is needed, the academic program the candidate is pursuing, career plans for the scholarship applicant, and letters of recommendation. Once awarded, the scholarship recipient will be required to present a written report/update on October 1, 2026, and April 1, 2027, to the Chair of the Scholarship Committee of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation. The recipient may also be asked to attend a meeting of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation Board of Trustees and a Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Thursday luncheon.
This scholarship is a one-year award. However, successful recipients may apply each year for this scholarship. Applications will be due annually by April 15, 2026, and will be reviewed by a Scholarship Committee comprised of Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Members appointed by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation Board. The April 15th, application deadline will allow for review, candidate interviews, a final determination of the scholarship recipient by June 30th, and the funding to be received for fall enrollment. This merit-based, needs-based, and non-discriminatory scholarship will be awarded based on the completed application, and personal interview. The funds will be paid directly to the college or university on behalf of the student tuition, so a student number must be submitted by the successful candidate.
Need help finding the right program?
Contact the club with questions about scholarship listings. Students interested in STRIVE should speak with their school principal or guidance counselor, as noted in the program information above.