Darooge Family Scholarship

Name: Darooge Family Scholarship

Award Amount: Varies

Information And Eligibility:
The Darooge Family Scholarship is a targeted, career-focused award created to support high school seniors from Kent County, Michigan who plan to pursue undergraduate education or technical training in construction-related fields. This scholarship is administered through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and reflects the Darooge family’s long-standing commitment to workforce development, skilled trades, and strengthening the regional construction industry.

This scholarship is specifically intended for students who want to build practical, in-demand careers in construction, engineering, building trades, or related technical disciplines. Eligible fields may include construction management, civil or structural engineering, architecture, carpentry, electrical trades, HVAC, plumbing, welding, or other construction-adjacent programs offered through accredited two-year colleges, four-year universities, or trade and technical schools within Michigan.

A key focus of the Darooge Family Scholarship is financial need. Applicants must demonstrate that paying for college or trade school would present a financial challenge without scholarship support. The award is designed to help offset costs such as tuition, fees, tools, equipment, books, or required certifications—expenses that often present significant barriers for students entering skilled trades and construction programs.

Applicants must be current high school seniors who reside in Kent County, Michigan, and must plan to enroll in an eligible Michigan-based institution after graduation. Because construction-related education often includes hands-on components and specialized materials, the scholarship committee looks favorably on students who show clear career intent and an understanding of the pathway they are choosing. This can be demonstrated through coursework, technical education classes, job shadowing, part-time work, internships, or family involvement in construction or trades.

As part of the application process, students are required to submit an essay. This essay is a critical component of the evaluation and should clearly explain the applicant’s interest in construction or related fields, long-term career goals, and how receiving the scholarship would make a meaningful difference in their ability to pursue education or training. Strong essays typically connect personal experience with future plans and show a realistic understanding of the industry.

The scholarship is awarded through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s General Scholarship Application, meaning applicants may be considered for multiple scholarships at once if they meet eligibility criteria. This makes the Darooge Family Scholarship particularly valuable for students who want to maximize their chances of receiving local financial aid.

Overall, the Darooge Family Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for Kent County students who prefer hands-on, career-driven education paths and want to enter a stable, high-demand industry. By supporting construction and skilled trades education, this scholarship helps students move directly into meaningful employment while contributing to Michigan’s infrastructure and economic growth.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a current high school senior.
• Must reside in Kent County, Michigan.
• Must plan to pursue an undergraduate degree or technical training in a construction-related field.
• Must enroll in an accredited two-year college, four-year college, university, or trade/technical school in Michigan.
• Must demonstrate financial need.

Application Requirements:

• Completed Grand Rapids Community Foundation General Scholarship Application.
• Official high school transcript.
• Financial need analysis.
• Personal essay outlining career goals and interest in construction-related fields.

Deadline: March 1

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