Our 2024 scholarship application is available and is due Feb. 1. Here are a few helpful tips for a successful application:
1. Confirm you’re eligible: With a few exceptions, only students residing in Northwest Ottawa County or attending high school within the Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Allendale or Coopersville School Districts may apply. Review the scholarship descriptions at www.ghacf.org/scholarships.
2. Proofread: Ask a parent, friend, or teacher to proofread your application, especially the narratives (more on those below).
3. Watch your deadlines: Financial Aid Offices and Scholarship Providers stick to them!
4. Share your unique story in the narrative. Our scholarship application includes the following questions to help the selection committees get to know you:
- Eleanor Roosevelt said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” What are your career goals and dreams? Why?
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
5. Understand the various criteria applications look for:
- Special circumstances or obstacles you have faced, such as health issues or working significant hours on top of going to school.
- Financial need, as indicated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form.
- Academics, such as a competitive GPA, test scores, or your chosen field of study or school.
- Leadership roles and community service you have been involved in.