The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has completed its latest round of scholarship awards for the upcoming 2024/2025 school year.

“We’re becoming much more proactive with young adults already in our program,” said Patti Manley, Foundation Board Chair. “This year out of our 148 total students, 95 were renewals as those students entered their 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th or 5^th year of college.” Of those students, 52 would be 1^st generation college graduates and 15 are non-traditional students; meaning they did not start their college career right after high school. 

The Community Foundation manages 45 different scholarship funds which are expected to provide over $500,000 in total support for the upcoming school year.  

“There are so many obstacles that students face everyday as they try to obtain a college degree” said Jessica Flann, Program Officer for Post Secondary Success at the Community Foundation. “Giving a student a scholarship is a huge step in the process, but we want to be able to support these students through to degree completion. And to do that, we are continuing to support current students with renewable scholarship funding.”

Nicole Szczepanski, a 2023 graduate of Marysville High School and recipient of the Howard A. Acheson Memorial Fund, will be entering her second year at the University of Michigan where she is studying Biomedical Engineering. “I am currently studying abroad in Rome. I have enjoyed my program so much so far! This opportunity was provided to me through the university and would not be possible without the generosity of the donors supporting my academic career.”

While in Rome Nicole is taking a class on Material Science and another on Art & Archaeology of Ancient Rome. “This trip has been an amazing learning opportunity as I have not only been studying but have been navigating a new city and culture.”

In addition to the continued support of current scholarship recipients, the Foundation also looks forward to working with area graduating seniors as they embark on their post-secondary education.

“Heading to Central Michigan University is an exciting step, and thanks to your scholarship, I can go at a fraction of the cost without the extra worry of college debt” said Brandon DeVos, a 2024 Memphis High School student and recipient of the St. Clair TEC Scholarship. “To me, your scholarship is more than money; it’s a vote of confidence. I’m ready to dive into college life, keep my grades strong, and continue to be an active member of the community. This scholarship is not only a boost for my education, but also a lesson in generosity. I hope to pass on the same kindness to others one day.”

The scholarship application is available year-round and students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships, life needs, and gap or emergency funding whenever their education journey might start.

Contact Jessica Flann, jessica@stclairfoundation.org, to learn more about opportunities for post-secondary success.