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Scholarships
Updated: 4/13/2021
Scholarships are updated as they are received, emailed to students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of record, posted to Family Access and Student Access on Skyward, and posted outside of the Big Rapids High School Guidance Office.
GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES:
- Imagine America Foundation
- Scholarships - Fast Web
- Scholarships - Studentscholarships.org
- Scholarships - ScholarshipBuddy Michigan
SCHOLARSHIPS SPECIFIC TO BIG RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL:
Morris Andrews Teacher Training Scholarship: Deadline April 20, 2021
Morris Andrews graduated from BRHS in 1954 and dedicated his life to lifting up the profession of teaching. He knew that unless you could attract our best and brightest students to teach in our public schools, to engage in this most honorable and impactful of professions, we would not provide the education our children deserve, nor create the citizens our country requires to thrive. This $1000 scholarship, renewable for four years, is open to any student who plans to become a teacher (for a total of $4,000). The application is attached (open it with Adobe or the pdf filler to be able to fill it in).
We the Students Essay Contest: Deadline April 15, 2021
Scholarships ranging from $500-$7,500 can be earned by writing an essay about “What is the relationship between equality and justice?” See the Bill of Rights Institute website for more information.
Wolfy Memorial Scholarship: April 29th, 2021
Dan Wolfram was a well respected member of the BR community. He spent many years as an umpire and put in countless volunteer hours. At the time of his death Dan was working on helping others in the community set up a program to raise money for local kids and youth programs. These $1,000 scholarships are in honor of Dan’s passion for volunteering and desire to step up and help others. Please fill out the attached application by 4:00pm on April 29th and return it to the BRHS counseling office.
BRHS Alumni - Deadline: April 9th, 2021
This $1000 scholarship will be awarded to an individual who plans to attend Ferris State University and who needs financial assistance to attend college. Please apply using the attached application.
Susan Jennings - Deadline: April 9th, 2021
Susan Jennings was a 1991 graduate of Big Rapids High School who passed away while she was attending Ferris State University. This $500 scholarship goes to a student who has overcome challenges and/or worked very hard to be successful and plans to continue their education at a college or trade school. Please apply using the attached application.
Skilled Trades Scholarship - Deadline: April 19, 2021
Any current senior who plans to attend a two year college, trade school or other technical institute is eligible to apply for this $500 scholarship. Students need to apply at setseg.org/tradescholarship.
TowerPinkster Scholarship - Deadline: March 1, 2021
Students who plan to major in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design or Building Engineering with a 3.25 GPA may be eligible to apply. Financial need is a consideration, so you need to fill out your FAFSA if you haven’t already done so. Apply at www.grfoundation.org using the General Scholarship Application. Email rbishop@grfoundation.org with any questions.
Teri Marsh Sports Boosters Memorial Scholarship - Deadline: April 8, 2021 at 4:00pm
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who participated in at least one sport both junior and senior year of high school. You must have two recommendations (please read the instructions carefully), and answer two essay questions. Applications must be turned into the counseling office by Thursday, April 8th at 4:00pm. Application materials are attached.
Lions Club Richard C. Donley Scholarship - Deadline: April 9, 2021
This $1,000 scholarship will go to a student who is committed to community service. Students who plan to go into the education field will be given special consideration. Applicants must write a 300-500 word essay describing how their school career demonstrates the ideals of promoting academic excellence along brief statements of community service involvement and future plans. Scholarship applications must be mailed in (not emailed) with a postmark by April 9, 2021. Application form and information are attached.
MEA Scholarship - Deadline: February 18, 2021
Students who have a parent/guardian who is a member of MEA (Michigan Education Association) may apply for this scholarship. Criteria is based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and school or community service. Apply at www.mea.org/mea-scholarship.
Rosa Parks Scholarship - Deadline: March 2, 2021
The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation offers a $2,000, non-renewable scholarship to Michigan high school graduating seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or above. Winners are selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership, financial need and dedication to the civil rights principles of Rosa L. Parks, whose historic stand against racial prejudice in 1955 brought her national recognition. Scholarships are for tuition, books or fees the first year of college only (not room and board). Click here to apply.
Mecosta County 4-H Scholarship -Deadline: April 2, 2021 at 5pm
This scholarship is for college bound graduating high school seniors who are active members in good standing with the Mecosta County 4-H Program. Apply using the attached form. Return your completed application to the 4-H Office, 14485 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307 or email to hoggmoll@msu.edu
Big Rapids Rotary Club Scholarship -Deadline: April 3, 2021
The BR Rotary Club is offering a $500 annual scholarship to a high school senior based on academic achievement, involvement, community service, leadership, and future goals. The application involves a personal statement, letters of reference, and interview. Apply with the attached application.
Brookside PTO Scholarship - Deadline: April 8, 2021 @ end of school day
The Brookside Elementary PTO is offering two $300.00 scholarships to two graduating Big Rapids High School Seniors who attended Brookside Elementary School. The scholarships will be given based on community service, academic achievement, extra-curricular activity and a written essay. Applications and guidelines are attached or are available at the high school counseling office.
Mecosta County Farm Bureau Scholarship -Deadline: April 16, 2021
This scholarship is for a high school senior whose is a member of Farm Bureau (or has a parent/guardian who is a member of Farm Bureau). Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, application, essay and transcript. Applications may be found here or in the counseling office.
LMCU Hutt Scholarship - Deadline: January 31, 2021
One of twenty $2,000 scholarships will be awarded. Students must write a 750-1000 word essay about “A Day in the Life. Describe one day in your life from the past year.” Apply at LMCU Hutt Scholarship.
Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) - Deadline: April 1, 2021
The MRA will be awarding 26 scholarships ranging from $1,000-$1,500 this school year. Eligible students have a parent employed at business that is a member of the MRA. Parents should check with their employer or call Rachel Schrauben at 800-366-3699 ext. 346 to see if their employer is a member of the MRA. The scholarship is not based on financial need. Apply at bit.ly/MRAscholarship2021.
Student Insights Student View Scholarship - Deadline: April 22, 2021
The Student View Scholarship Program is offering $13,000 worth of scholarships. This is a need blind, achievement blind scholarship. Student Insights is a market research firm working with colleges and universities. To apply go to www.student-view.com (don’t do a search, type it directly into the browser). Recipients will be drawn at random.
Ryan Fischer Legacy Scholarship - Deadline: January 29, 2021
This $4000 scholarship will be awarded to one high school senior who exemplifies the characteristics that Ryan possessed (faith in God, passion for his country, and zeal for life). Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and received two varsity letters in hockey. Applications may be found at https://www.ryanfischer.org/legacy-scholarship and are due to your athletic director by January 29, 2021.
Shamrock Invitational Scholarship - Deadline: April 1, 2021
This is a $1,000 award for students who have shown strong community service and academic achievements while participating in athletics. Applicants must have a minimum 3.25 GPA. All application materials must be received by the scholarship committee by April 1, 2021 (not postmarked by this date). Apply using the attached form.
Char Doerr Memorial Scholarships - Deadline: April 1, 2021
This $2,000 scholarship is in memory of Char Doerr. Char Doerr was an integral part of the Shamrock Invitational tournament and worked at St. Michael’s school in Remus, MI. Factors considered for this scholarship are financial need and community service. All application materials must be received by the scholarship committee by April 1, 2021 (not postmarked by this date). Apply using the attached form.
MMC Laker Distinction Scholarship - Deadline: Reserve Spot Now then submit final application by February 18, 2021
Four full tuition scholarships are available to high school seniors with a GPA of 3.25 or above. (Students enrolled in an early college program through the career center are not eligible). Students must reserve their spot in the virtual competition by filling out this online form. Then students submit a resume, a project (digital media, visual art, or essay) that responds to the statement, "I have something distinct to contribute to Mid Michigan College," and attend the virtual selection event. For more information check out the Laker Distinction Scholarship website.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship - Deadline: February 1, 2021 at 5pm EST
The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides four-year scholarships of $30,000 and extensive support services, including career guidance and internship placement, to highly motivated African American or other minority students. This scholarship is based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need. Apply on the Jackie Robinson Foundation website.
Lincoln Tech CTE Scholarships - Scholarships and deadlines vary
Any student interested in pursuing a skilled trade may take the Lincoln Tech Scholarship assessment eligibility form to determine if they are eligible for a scholarship through Lincoln Tech. If you are interested in skilled trades, and specifically if you are considering Lincoln Tech, take the Lincoln Tech Eligibility Assessment.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation - Deadline: October 31, 2020 at 5pm EST
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation believes that investing in students who are leaders, both academically and in service to others, will result in positive, lasting change and sustainable communities. Apply by October 31st at 5pm EST for a chance at 150 scholarships ranging from $1,000-$1,500. Apply at: Cokeurl.com/scholarships.
Cooke College Scholarship Program - Deadline: October 30, 2020 at 11:59pm
An undergraduate scholarship program for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. Applications will be evaluated based on academic merit, financial need, leadership and service to others. Apply through the common app.
College Board Opportunity Scholarships - Deadlines: Varies according to the scholarship task.
College board has a number of scholarships available to seniors simply for doing the work necessary to apply to colleges (i.e. making a college list, practicing on Khan Academy, updating your college list, improving your test score, completing the FAFSA, and applying to colleges. Go to collegeboard.com for more information and to start your scholarship task list.
**Two of the opportunity scholarships are no longer available after the end of October (Strengthening Your College List and Practice for the SAT).
Discover Manufacturing Scholarship - Deadline: November 20, 2020
Discover Manufacturing will offer six $500 scholarships to seniors pursuing a manufacturing related degree in Michigan. Business, accounting, engineering and marketing are all examples of degrees that could qualify with language in the essay tying the degree to a career in manufacturing. To apply students must:
Identify their school name and county in their submission.
Indicate their interest in pursuing a manufacturing related future in Michigan (educational degree or manufacturing skills training).
Students must write an essay describing what manufacturing means to them, why they wish to pursue a future in manufacturing, and what they intend to use the scholarship for.
Applications must be submitted to dmcoordinator@westmiworks.org. Please include your phone number and email.
Community Foundation Scholarships - Deadline: March 1, 2021
Thirteen scholarship opportunities for students in the community are now posted. You may review the Mecosta County Scholarships to see which ones you are eligible for. Apply at https://facommunityfoundation.org/scholarships/our-scholarships-awards/ by October 1st.
Elks ENF Legacy Award Scholarship - Deadline: February 5, 2021
Legacy Awards are $4,000 scholarships available to children and grandchildren of Elks members. SAT/ACT test scores have been waived for this year's applicants. Apply at enf.elks.org/leg.
MSHAA Scholar-Athlete Award - Deadline: December 4, 2020 at 4pm
All senior athletes are eligible. To apply students need to go to mhsaa.com/scholarship and create an account. Students will need to enter the code 2021scholar to gain access to the application. You don’t have to complete the application all at one time, your work will be saved. Students also need to provide two letters of recommendation. Students can upload PDFs or Word docs themselves, or they can use the system to have recommenders upload recommendations. For more information please go to the MHSAA website.
Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship - Deadline: Nov 15, 2020
Seniors with strong GPAs and SAT/ACT test scores may apply (if you don't have a test score yet please still apply). Applications will be judged based on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Up to 500 scholarships will be awarded with amounts ranging from $1,000-$12,500/yr for four years.
Apply at enf.elks.org/mvs. You must enter Big Rapids Elks Lodge #974 as your sponsoring lodge on the application.
Hagan Scholarship - Deadline: November, 15 2020 at 5pm
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, designed to provide each recipient with the opportunity to Graduate College Debt-Free. Hagan Scholarship recipients are high achieving, self-motivated students who will require substantial financial assistance to attend college.
Eligible applicants have a 3.75GPA or above, are in the top 20% of their graduating class, and have financial need. In order to be eligible for this scholarship you will need to complete your FAFSA by the deadline as well. Hagan Scholarship Application
SCHOLARSHIPS FEATURED ON WWW.STUDENTSCHOLARSHIPS.ORG and WWW.SCHOLARSHIPBUDDYMICHIGAN.COM
Dual Enrollment
Big Rapids High School currently offers dual/concurrent enrollment opportunities through Ferris State University, Mid Michigan College, and Lake Superior State University. This is an opportunity for current high school students to get started on their college coursework before graduating high school.
Helpful Links:
- Dual Enrollment Qualifying Scores 201920
- BRHS MTA Requirements
- Michigan Transfer Agreement Signatory Institutions
- BRHS Dual Enrollment Information Packet
Ferris State University
Mid Michigan College
*COLLEGE DATES/DEADLINES*
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
| First Day of Class | Jan 11 |
| Drop/Add Final Date | Jan 14 at 5 pm |
| Midterm | Mar 8 |
| Withdraw Date - Family responsible for full cost of class. | Mar 25 |
| Classes End | Apr 30 |
MID MICHIGAN COLLEGE
| First Day of Class | Jan 11 |
| Drop/Add Final Date | Jan 15 |
| Classes End | May 7 |
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY
| First Day of Class | Jan 19 |
| Drop/Add Final Date | Apr 30 |
*Check dates with each college*
College Athletics
Testing
School Profile
Mecosta-Osceola Career Center
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Mental Health Counseling Resources
Community Mental Health for Central Michigan (CMH) – (231) 796-5825
Crisis Hotline: (800) 317-0708
Mecosta County Location:
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
500 South Third Avenue
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Youth Attention Center (YAC) - (231) 592-0129
Youth Attention Center offers different programs to help fit the needs of runaway and homeless youth, and those deemed to be at-risk. Qualified and compassionate case workers meet with youth to identify challenges in their lives, and assist in building basic life management skills to deal with those issues. Youth may receive guidance in attaining communication skills and building peer and family relationships. There is also assistance with academic/truancy problems and mentoring to foster skills in anger management and coping with difficult life situations.
Office Location:
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
126 Maple Street, Suite F
Big Rapids, MI 49307
**Phones are forwarded to on-call/crisis line after 5:00pm**
OK2SAY
Call: 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729)
Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
Email: OK2SAY@mi.gov
OK2SAY is the student safety program which allows students to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at school students, school employees, and schools. It uses a comprehensive communication system to facilitate tip sharing among students, parents, school personnel, community mental health service programs, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and law enforcement officials about harmful behaviors that threaten to disrupt the learning environment.
CALL 2-1-1
Dialing 2-1-1 is a simple way for people to connect with important health, human, and community services in their community. 2-1-1 is free, confidential and our Call Specialists are available 24 hours a day...7 days a week.