Larson-Veneklasen Outdoor Education Scholarship Grant

Larson-Veneklasen Outdoor Education Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
Last Updated: March 22, 2026

Summary

The Larson-Veneklasen Outdoor Education Scholarship, established by Ken Larson and Diane Veneklasen, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing outdoor educational experiences. Inspired by the Outward Bound philosophy, it aims to foster character development and self-discovery through adventure. Applicants can access multiple foundation scholarships with a single application. Required documents include transcripts and any additional materials specified for specific scholarships. Notably, financial need is not a priority, and high school seniors are not restricted from applying.

Overview

Scholarships Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly. Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement. Larson-Veneklasen Outdoor Education Scholarship During the 1980s, Ken Larson and Diane Veneklasen team-taught a class for eighth graders called "Outdoor Education." Ken designed the class with the Outward Bound philosophy in mind: "to inspire character development and self-discovery...through challenge and adventure." Ken and Susan Larson, along with Diane Veneklasen, started this scholarship fund to make awards to individuals wishing to participate in educational, outdoor experiences - like Outward Bound. The Larson-Veneklasen Fund enables individuals of all ages to learn lifetime outdoor skills as well as challenge themselves to accomplish more than they ever thought possible.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Interest Area: Outdoor Education Financial Need: Not a PriorityHigh School Senior Only: NoCriteria/Description: Awarded to a Tri-Cities resident to pursue an educational outdoor experience at a licensed educational facility. This could include, but is not limited to, Wilderness Inquiry, National Outdoor Leadership School, or Outward BoundIn addition to the application, you’ll have to submit the following documents:A copy of your high school or college transcriptAny additional required documents for specific scholarships (like recommendation letters).Page 1 of the Student Aid Report with your Student Aid Index (SAI) included on the form.