GF Scholarship Programs: Merit Scholarship Grant

The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship supports students graduating from select high schools in Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties, with a GPA between 2.00 and 3.70. The scholarship provides $2,800 for post-secondary education, covering tuition, books, and required fees. Selection is based on academic achievements and community involvement. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for local youth, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

The Gerber Foundation's Mission
Accordingly, priority is given to projects whose primary beneficiaries are young children from birth to three years of age. The Trustees of The Gerber Foundation expect the Foundation’s grant dollars to make a significant impact on issues facing infants and young children. Through our grant-making efforts, the Trustees are committed to improving the health and well-being of the youngest members of our society. The Foundation maintains three primary focus areas for its grant-making:
The primary focus, supported by over 70% of grant-making, is applied research focused on health and nutritional issues affecting infants and young children. Research projects aimed at finding solutions to common every-day issues and problems regarding children’s health and nutrition are sought. Of particular interest are those offering a substantial promise of meaningful advances in prevention and treatment of diseases and those with broad applicability to the general population.
West Michigan grants are focused on youth programs supporting the growth and development of children from 0-18 years of age within 4 counties in West Michigan – Lake, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties. Specific areas of focus within youth programming include early childhood growth and development to assure children are ready for school by age 5; development of parenting skills; STEM education; health and dental care; and several historically supported programs such as 4-H, summer camps, and general support programs.
College scholarships are provided to students graduating from select high schools in Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties. Students must be graduating seniors at the time of application. Scholarships support education beyond high school in traditional colleges or universities as well as trade schools or support for certification exams.
The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship
The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship is available to students graduating from select school districts within each county as indicated below. GPA must be between 2.00 – 3.70 (use higher of weighted or unweighted).
Newaygo – Fremont, Grant, Hesperia, Newaygo, White Cloud, or home-schooled students
Selection Criteria
Selection is made based on overall academic achievements, recommendations, and involvement in diverse curricular, extracurricular, and community activities.

Eligibility

Students must be planning to attend an accredited post-secondary program in the US leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree, or a vocational or technical training program leading to a certificate.$2,800 for post-secondary education. Scholarship may be used for tuition, books, or required course fees, tools or equipment

Ineligibility

Foreign exchange students are not eligible
Students planning to attend one of the four U.S. military or maritime academies are not eligible