SIDNEY — The 2023 Community Foundation of Shelby County scholarship applications are now available to local students pursuing college, trade and technical schooling. Online application are accessed at commfoun.com, where students can apply for some of the 90 local scholarship funds awarding more than $300,000.
Some scholarships provide a one-time award, while others are renewable.
“Several individuals, families and civic groups are giving students an opportunity to better afford a college education and skilled training,” said Juli Smith, Foundation scholarships and grants manager. “Local high school seniors, current college students and adults returning to the classroom should complete applications soon.”
Three applications are found on the Community Foundation’s website, in the Grants and Scholarships section and by following a link for Apply for a Scholarship. The high school senior scholarship application closes Feb. 16. The adults and current college student application closes May 25. The application for Skills Scholarships for high school seniors and adults closes on March 16.
“We encourage anyone interested to work through the online forms as soon as possible. Scholarship applications for high school seniors, adults and current college students ask students to supply letters of recommendation, lists of community or school service activities and past grade transcripts,” said Smith. “Most, but not all, ask the applicant to include their FAFSA.gov EFC number, which helps scholarship selection committee understand levels of financial need.
“The Skills Scholarship application is for any high school senior or adult enrolling in a trade, technical or vocational program that is completed with an Associates degree or less. This application does not require past grade or financial information. It relies on student intent for their career and past experience showing an understanding of what the career demands.”
Students who take a training course that lasts several weeks or months or those whose education ends with an Associates degree should complete the Skills Scholarship application. They may also be eligible for scholarships on the high school senior or the adult and current college student form, so they should consider completing more than one type of Community Foundation scholarship application.
The online application can be started and then completed in future sessions, but incomplete applications will be rejected if not finished by the stated deadlines. Community Foundation staff will help applicants with any questions they have prior to the deadlines.
The Community Foundation of Shelby County has been administering charitable funds for 70 years. For information, contact the office at 937-497-7800 or [email protected].
