apply for

Scholarships

There are many scholarships available through the Community Foundation, thanks to generous donors who care about the future of your county and its young people. Follow the steps outlined below to apply:

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1. GATHER YOUR INFORMATION

Applications open March 5, 2025. To be prepared, have your financial information, academic transcript, lists of extracurricular activities, etc. on hand. You may also review the available scholarships in advance.

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2. CREATE AN ACCOUNT

Register a new individual account in GOapply (a personal email address is strongly recommended). You will be notified via email when you have access to GOapply.

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3. COMPLETE APPLICATIONS

You must fill out a separate application for each scholarship. See below for a list of scholarships and eligibility requirements. Once started, your work can be paused and saved. The application deadline is April 1, 2025. 

Helpful tips:

We know filling out multiple applications can be time-consuming! To make the process easier, click the link below to download a Word document of the scholarship application. You can fill it out once and then copy and paste your responses into each application, saving you time and effort. Need help? Click on the button below to access the GOapply user guide to walk you through the application process and help troubleshoot any issues that come up.

Questions? Contact Katie Warner – katie@otsegofoundation.org or Amanda Sosa – amanda@otsegofoundation.org.

Phone: 989-731-0597

Scholarship Opportunities

ACADEMIC

Butcher Academic Scholarship ($1000)

Awarded in memory of Jesse G. and Violette S. Butcher to a student showing outstanding academic achievement and planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree.  One year only. Open to GHS graduating students

AGRICULTURE OR RELATED FIELD

Edward and Frances Burzynski Scholarship ($500)

Awarded to a student planning on continuing their education at an accredited institution to study agriculture, veterinary science, forestry or a related field.  Open to any Otsego County graduating senior. This scholarship can be renewed for additional years by maintaining a 2.0 GPA and continuing to be enrolled in a field of study above. 

EDUCATION

Kathryn M. Tripp Scholarship ($1000)

Awarded in memory of Kathryn M. Tripp, who taught 6th grade in the Gaylord Community School system for 30 years, to a graduating senior planning to earn a degree in Education and enter the teaching profession. Preference will be given to applicants who have displayed leadership, extra-curricular involvement and a commitment to academics. Additional consideration will be given to those who have overcome hardship or adversity and/or demonstrate financial need. Open to Gaylord High School graduating students.

Donald H. & Helen S. Crandall Scholarship ($500)

Awarded to graduating high school senior in Otsego County, who has overcome adversity. Preference given to students pursuing careers in education.

GENERAL

Captain Nicholson Scholarship ($1000)

Awarded to graduating seniors from Johannesburg-Lewiston High School for their character, goals, and academic achievement. Preference is given to students who exemplify hard work, academic dedication, and curiosity. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. This scholarship supports students from a small community with big dreams as they pursue higher education at a college, university, or trade school.

 

Freel Family Scholarship ($1500)

Awarded to an outstanding student planning to pursue higher education at an accredited institution. This scholarship is needs-based and renewable with reapplication. Open to Gaylord High School graduating students.

Louis and Rose Marie Tebbe Scholarship ($1000)

Awarded to a hard working student.  Preference given to students of military families or those pursuing a medical career. Open to all Otsego County students.

Harold and Norma Elgas Reach Scholarship ($500)

Awarded to a student who demonstrates financial need. Open to all Otsego County Students.

Stacy A. Wright Scholarship ($500)
Awarded in memory of Stacy A. Wright, who dedicated nearly 30 years to teaching 6th grade in the Gaylord Community School system. This scholarship is intended for a graduating senior or early college graduate applying in their 5th of whom attended Gaylord High School, with special consideration given to those who had a connection with Stacy.
Treetops Scholarship ($1,000)

Awarded up to four years to current Treetops Resort employees, dependents of current employees, or immediate family of current employees who have been employed for at least one year and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Preference is given to those employees with multiple years of employment and students earning a degree in hospitality, food & beverage, PGA golf management, turf management, or hotel management.  

MEDICAL OR NURSING

Athel Eugene & Helen Williams Scholarship ($1000)

Awarded to a graduating senior pursuing a 4-year nursing or medical degree. Open to any Otsego County graduating student.

SCIENCE

Irene Angus Science Scholarship ($1000)

 Awarded to an outstanding Otsego County sophomore or junior college student pursuing a BS degree in the science field of study at an accredited institution. 

VOCATIONAL OR SKILLED TRADES

Don Skop Memorial Scholarship ($500)

Awarded to Otsego County high school graduates who have a 2.0 GPA or better and will be attending an accredited institution to continue education in a vocational field or skilled trade. Open to any Otsego County graduating students.

OTHER (Organization outside the OCF)

AAUW American Association of University Women ($1,000)
Awarded to a goal-oriented student who displays community involvement, academic achievement and financial need.  Open to Otsego County graduating senior girls and homeschooled girls with the required documentation planning to attend college, university, technical school, or seeking further certification. 

2025 Important Dates

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March

Application Open

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April

Application Deadline

30

April

Recipients Notified of Award

15

May

Scholarship Acceptance Due

20

May

Scholarship Checks Mailed

20

December

1st Semester Impact Reports Due

Contact us with questions

Call

(989) 731-0597

EMail

info@otsegofoundation.org