Fusion Scholarship Foundation Scholarship Program

Mailing Address: Fusion Scholarship Foundation, 72 Monroe Center St. NW Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
EIN: 36-4776680

Background

Established in 2014 and awarding scholarships since 2016, the Fusion Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to Fusion Academy's personalized educational experience for students facing financial hardships. Founded by Fusion parents inspired by the late founder Peter Ruppert's vision, the organization has awarded $3,000,000+ in scholarships to 170+ students across 51 recipient campuses as of 2026.

Mission

The Foundation is committed to changing lives through education by providing scholarships to students who have experienced hardships in their educational journey or need personalized one-to-one education but lack the financial means to attend.

Geographic Scope

Eligible Schools:

• Fusion Academy (multiple campuses)
• Fusion Global Academy
• Barnstable Academy

Recipient campuses include locations in California (Aliso Viejo, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Warner Center, Huntington Beach, Scottsdale), Pennsylvania (Malvern, Ardmore, Warrington), Virginia (Loudoun), Texas (Sugar Land), Michigan, Connecticut (Greenwich), and Massachusetts.

Focus Areas

• Students with educational hardships
• Students who would benefit from personalized, one-to-one education
• Students seeking high-quality educational opportunities in a supportive environment

Eligibility Criteria

• Grade Level: Full-time students entering grades 9-12
• Enrollment Status: Must be enrolled full-time with Fusion as the School of Record
• Financial Need: Total annual household income less than $175,000 pre-tax dollars
• Cost Coverage: Applicant family must have ability to pay all fees and tuition costs not covered by the scholarship
• New and Current Students: Both new and current students eligible to apply
• New Student Requirement: Head of School intake interview required (parents schedule)
• Ineligibility: Family members of Fusion Academy, Fusion Global Academy, Barnstable Academy, FEG, or FSF staff or board members are not eligible
• Non-Renewable: Scholarships awarded to current recipients are not renewable; current recipients must reapply for consideration

Award Information

Award Amount: Based on financial need and availability of funds. This is a highly competitive scholarship and funding is not guaranteed for all eligible applicants.

Peter Ruppert Memorial Scholars: Two students are recognized annually as Peter Ruppert Memorial Scholars, honoring students with exceptional financial need and academic challenges. These are part of the standard scholarship program.

What They Fund

• Tuition and fees for full-time enrollment at eligible Fusion schools
• Personalized, one-to-one educational experience

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but scholarships are for full-time attendance only and do not cover costs beyond what the applicant family can afford.

Impact

• 170+ scholarships awarded to date
• $3,000,000+ total dollars awarded
• 51 recipient campuses
• Students report increased confidence, academic success, and positive outcomes

Application Process

Application Timeline (2026-2027 cycle):

1. Applications opened: Monday, January 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM (CST)
2. Application deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM (CST)
3. Award notifications sent: March 27, 2026 via email to applicants and Heads of School
4. Next cycle timeline (2027-2028) to be announced

Steps to Apply:

1. For New Students: Schedule a Head of School intake interview (parents are responsible for scheduling). This is required before application submission.
2. Complete Application: Submit application through online portal by deadline
3. Await Decision: Review email notification of award or declined status from Heads of School

Required Materials:
Not explicitly detailed in provided content, but application requires:

• Demonstration of financial need (household income documentation)
• Student information and enrollment status
• Evidence of ability to pay non-scholarship costs

Narrative/Essay Requirements:
Not specified in provided materials. Students' stories and resilience mentioned as important to selection process based on board notes.

Application Portal:
Access through scholarship information page at fusionscholarship.org/scholarship-information/