Oceana foundation seeks students, scholarships

SHELBY — “Give someone a fish and they’re fed for a day; teach someone to fish and they’re fed for a lifetime,” the saying goes.

That’s why educators and the Oceana CAN! (College Access Network) are placing greater emphasis on encouraging area high school students not only to graduate, but also to continue their education in colleges and trade schools.

To support this effort, the Community Foundation for Oceana County is once again accepting online applications for scholarships for the upcoming 2015-16 school year.

Both Oceana high school students who will graduate this spring and current post-secondary students are eligible and must apply online by March 1, 2015 at oceana-foundation.receive/scholarship.

“Right now, many Oceana students are continuing their education after high school thanks in part to receiving $158,000 in scholarships last year,” said foundation Executive Director Tammy Carey. “This was made possible because education-minded individuals, families and organizations created scholarship endowments in the foundation. We are fortunate to have such a strong scholarship program in our community. However, more students cannot be helped and recognized unless people and organizations step forward and lend a hand to the next generation that wants to continue their education after high school.”

Funds contributed to one’s scholarship fund may be directed towards supporting students pursuing specific fields of study; graduates from certain high schools; or those demonstrating high financial need and/or academic success. Donors can tailor their scholarship fund to reflect their particular interests while encouraging area students.

The Oceana CAN! quickly recognized in its planning work that financial preparedness was one of the key barriers to post-secondary success. “Getting students ready for college is a complicated process and making sure that students have completed their FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) and applied for scholarships are top goals for the network,” said Oceana CAN! member Kathy Jacobsen, VP of Baker College.

“The scholarships aren’t awarded solely on financial need,” added Carey. “Academic achievement, community involvement, and extracurricular activities also are taken into consideration. All foundation scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis.”

To be eligible, one must be a graduate of an Oceana County school. A list of the scholarships awarded to students in the current school year is found on the foundation website under the scholarship link. Specific questions about the foundation scholarship program can be directed to Carey at 231-861-8335, or to any area high school counselor.