List of Scholarships
This list contains both general and college-specific scholarships.
Please your raiderpride.org emails or check the counseling office regularly.
Scholarship search links can be found on the Financial Aid page.
Please your raiderpride.org emails or check the counseling office regularly.
Scholarship search links can be found on the Financial Aid page.
Allen B. Copley Memorial Scholarship
This $2,000 scholarship is renewable for up to four years. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, be accepted to a four year college/university, and show financial need.
Belinda S. Phillips Endowed Scholarship
The Belinda S. Phillips Endowed scholarship was established to honor and celebrate the life of Belinda Phillips and is a non-renewable scholarship awarded to a Decatur High School senior who attends Western Michigan University in the fall immediately following the senior year. A minimum high school GPA of 3.2 is required. Admission to Western Michigan University for the fall semester and being active in at least one extra curricular activity, community project or volunteer activity while in high school is required, as well as a 300-750 word statement about the importance of a college education to you, your family, and your community.
Cass County Sheriff's Community Scholarship
This $500 scholarship, which can be renewed each year, is awarded two (up to) eight Cass County residents who plan on attending a college program. A 2.5 GPA is required.
Cesar E. Chavez Scholarship
This scholarship is available to qualifying students of Hispanic/Latino origin to help them pursue their post-secondary education. Students must also plan on enrolling in a Michigan college/university and have a cumulative GPA no lower than 3.0.
Decatur Education Association - Jerry McCormick Scholarship
This $500 scholarship from the Decatur Education Association is awarded to a graduating senior of Decatur High School. Selection is based upon the applicant's character, service, motivation, scholarship, and financial need. Applications can be picked up from Mr. Wicklund.
Decatur High School Scholarship
This $1,200 scholarship is renewable for for up to four years. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be accepted to a four year college/university, and show financial need..
First Presbyterian Church of Decatur Endowment Grant
This scholarship is available to any graduating senior who lives in Decatur (in the school district or 49045 zip code) and is planning on attending a two or four year college next fall.
Futuros Lideres Scholarship
This scholarship is available to qualifying students of Hispanic/Latino origin who plan on attending Western Michigan University. Students must be a first generation college student. Work experience in agricultural labor or the service sector is preferred.
George M. Fusko Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of George Fusko, who was an educator at Decatur Public Schools for forty-five years. Two scholarships are awarded - one for $1,000 and one for $600. There is no required GPA.
Groth and Associates Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who has shown dedication, perseverance, and hard work throughout their time in high school. To qualify, students must have a 3.0 GPA and complete a 500 word essay about difficulties or hardships that they have had to overcome.
Guy M. Wilson Scholarship
This $500 scholarship is available to Michigan residents who are attending high school and are a son, daughter, grandchild or great-grandchild of a war-time veteran planning to or are attending any Michigan accredited college or university. Selection is based on a student’s G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher, financial need, parent’s or grandparent’s honorable active war-time military service, goals and intentions.
HBO Law and Justice Scholarship
This $750.00 scholarship is awarded to a student who plans on attending a college/university during the 2018-19 school year. While not required, special consideration is given to those pursing a career in law. A 3.0 GPA is required.
Henderson Sloan Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to three seniors graduating in Van Buren County. Along with the application, students must include a brief statement stating what is important to them and what they goals they expect to achieve, as well as a list of honors and school activities.
Honor Credit Union Community Commitment Scholarship
This $1,500 scholarship is awarded to 15 seniors who are members of Honor Credit Union (the student must have their own account). Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA, provide the required essay on their community involvement, and have completed their FAFSA for the applicable school year.
Joe Cerven Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a graduating Decatur senior who plans on attending a college/university during the following school year.
Lakeview Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is available to graduating seniors who are pursuing nursing or healthcare at a college/university. A 3.0 GPA is required.
Lucas Luth Memorial Scholarship
This application is open to any senior, regardless of GPA or type of college.
Kalamazoo Valley Endowment Scholarships
Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers a variety of scholarships that require an application. Students fill out one application and are matched with scholarship for with they may qualify.
Kalamazoo Valley Merit Scholarship
Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers scholarships based on academic achievements. Students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and a minimum 1060 SAT score to be eligible for consideration. Qualifying students can receive a $3,000 scholarship.
Lake Michigan College Scholarships
Lake Michigan College offers a variety of scholarships that require an additional application. Students fill out one application and are matched with scholarship for with they may qualify. The application and list of scholarships is available here. While there is no official deadline, scholarship funds may be exhausted if students wait too long to apply.
Lake Michigan Credit Union Hutt Scholarship
Lake Michigan Credit Union will award 15 $2,000 scholarships to eligible seniors. Seniors must be a resident of Michigan. To enter, seniors will need to submit an essay about the following topic: Imagine nearing the end of your life – describe what will have brought you the greatest happiness or success.
Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver
The Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver waives the tuition costs for eligible Native Americans in public community colleges or universities in Michigan. Applicants must be a Michigan resident and have resided in Michigan for twelve consecutive months at the time of application; They must attend a public school in Michigan and must be one-quarter (1/4) Native American blood quantum AND an enrolled member of a U.S. federally-recognized tribe. More information, including the application and additional instructions, can be found here.
Optimist Club Scholarship
This $500 scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior who was chosen as an optimist student of the month during their senior and/or 8th grade year.
Peninsular Lodge Masonic Scholarship
Two $1,000 scholarships will be award to seniors by the Peninsular Lodge #10 in Dowagiac. Students must complete the application and obtain four letters of recommendation: two from school personnel and two from non-school personnel.
Raider Stomp Track/Cross Country Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any senior who participated in track or cross country during their time in high school.
Southwestern Michigan College Endowed Scholarships
Southwestern Michigan College offers a variety of scholarships that require an additional application. Students fill out one application and are matched with scholarship for with they may qualify. The application and list of scholarships is available here. While there is no official deadline, scholarship funds may be exhausted if students wait too long to apply.
Timber Trails RV Park Scholarship
This $1,100 scholarship will be provided to a 2018 graduating senior who is planning on attending a tech or trade school. A 2.0 minimum GPA is required.
Tuition Incentive Program
The Tuition Incentive Program, usually referred to as TIP, is a program that provides eligible students with tuition assistance for the first two years of college and beyond. TIP provides assistance in two phases. Phase I covers tuition and mandatory fee charges for eligible students enrolled in a credit-based associate degree or minimum one year certificate program at a participating Michigan community college or public university. Phase II provides a maximum of $2,000 total tuition assistance for credits earned in a four-year program at an in-state, degree-granting college or university. To be eligible, students must have (or have had) Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-consecutive month period between the age of 12 through high school graduation. Students receive a letter in the mail upon qualifying. If you think you may be eligible or if you need to apply, click here for more information or see Miss Christoferson
Van Buren County Association of School Boards
The purpose of the VBCASB scholarship is to honor and recognize high school seniors throughout the county who make a positive impact on their school and community, promote positive learning, and demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of their school and community. Applicants must be seniors in a Van Buren county school, complete an essay on how they have made a positive difference in their school and community, and have at least one letter of recommendation. Four $500 scholarships will be awarded.
William D. & Jewell Brewer Scholarship
This $500 scholarship is available to Michigan residents who are attending high school who are a son, daughter, grandchild or great-grandchild of a war-time veteran planning to or are attending any nationally accredited college or university. Selection is based on a student’s G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher, financial need, parent’s or grandparent’s honorable active wartime military service, goals and intentions.