High School Seniors and Current College Students Scholarships

Total Scholarship Program: The Foundation awards over $300,000 in scholarships to students each year across more than 50 scholarship funds.

Geographic Scope: Oceana County, Michigan

Purpose: Making higher education more accessible for area students as an investment in the future of youth and the community.

Eligibility:

• High school seniors
• Current college students
• Non-traditional/adult learners
• Students pursuing skilled trades

Priority Student Populations: The Foundation is focused on growing resources for:

• First generation college students (neither parent has a degree beyond high school)
• Single parents or students living with one parent
• Students living independently without family support
• Students who have suffered personal trauma or live with significant disabilities
• Foster children
• BIPOC students (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color)
• Non-traditional students (did not start college immediately after high school or dropped out and are returning)
• Low-income students

Acceptable Institutions: Trade/union schools, community colleges, universities, and apprenticeships

Contact Information:

• Tammy Carey, Oceana Foundation CEO
• Phone: 231-869-3377
• Address: P.O. Box 902, Pentwater, MI 49449
• Website: oceanafoundation.org

How to Apply for a Scholarship

1. Complete One Online Application: Students complete a single online application to be considered for all available scholarship funds.
2. Application Process:
   • Submit the unified scholarship application
   • Application reviewed by volunteer community committee members
   • Committee helps match students with available awards
   • Donors may participate in the selection process
   • Foundation makes payments directly to the college or institution
   • Foundation monitors student achievement

Foundation Services

• Handles all selection and administrative details
• Makes direct payments to institutions
• Tracks student progress and success