Shields of Hope Scholarship

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What is the
Shields of Hope Scholarship?

The Shields of Hope (SOH) Scholarship was created to support students whose lives have been personally impacted by cancer. Whether you have faced cancer yourself or an immediate family member has, we want to come alongside you as you pursue what’s next through college, university, or trade school.

Our hope is to not only help relieve some of the financial burden of higher education, but also to remind you that you are seen, supported, and surrounded by a community that cares.

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP HERE

Who can apply?

01

Students who have been personally affected by cancer, either themselves or through an immediate family member.

02

Students pursuing higher education at a college, university, or trade/technical school.

03

Students who complete and submit the full online application by the deadline.

All applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Selection Committee and final awards are approved by the Shields of Hope Board.

Application Due Date:

April 1st

Applications for 2026-2027 are now closed, any applications recieved now will be for 2027-2028 year

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP HERE

How this scholarship is made possible

This scholarship is funded through the generosity of our community, including events like the Heroes 5K Run/Walk and other contributions to Shields of Hope. Together, we are able to extend hope, encouragement, and practical support to families facing cancer in West Michigan.

Thank you to every donor, partner, and participant who helps make the Shields of Hope Scholarship a reality.

Shields of Hope Scholarship Application

The Shields of Hope (SOH) Scholarship was created to support those who have been personally affected by cancer and pursuing higher education through college, university, or trade school. Applicants are selected based on the completed application. All applications will be received and reviewed by the Scholarship Selection Committee and approved by the Shields of Hope Board.

Application Due Date: April 1

Application Process

  • Applicant reviews eligibility and completes application in full.
  • Applicant submits application and letter of recommendation to [email protected].
  • SOH Scholarship Committee redacts all names and personal identifying information and sends the application and letter to the Scholarship Selection Committee.
  • Scholarship Selection Committee reviews applications and letters of recommendation.
  • Scholarship Selection Committee makes recommendations to the SOH Board.
  • Shields of Hope Board approves selected applicants.
  • Approved applicants will be awarded funds at the beginning of the school year of the same year selected.

If you have questions, please contact the scholarship committee at [email protected].

Eligibility for the Shields of Hope Scholarship

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be personally affected by cancer (personally or immediate family member)
  • Live in the counties we serve (Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa) or, if outside those counties, be a family that is part of the Shields of Hope Family (previous recipient of a SOH program)
  • Have a 2.5 or higher GPA
  • Submit a completed application and letter of recommendation from school staff