The scholarship application portal will be open January 8, 2024 - March 3, 2024.
Community Foundation Scholarships
The Community Foundation of St. Clair County administers a variety of scholarship funds - both traditional scholarships and nontraditional - such as the Come Home Award. The scholarship funds were established by individuals and organizations wanting to assist students in obtaining a college or vocational education and each have their own set of specific criteria.
The scholarships listed below with the expandable boxes are all traditional scholarships. These are awarded at the ‘front-end’ of your college education and paid directly to your college or university. Traditional scholarships are available beginning in early January of each year with a priority deadline of mid-March.
Who is eligible?
- HS/GED grads of all ages & academic levels
- Incoming freshmen or upper classmen
- Non-traditional/returning students
What schools/programs?
- Colleges/Universities
- Skilled Trade & Vocational Training Centers
- Michigan institutions & out-of-state
Life Needs Assistance Application
The Community Foundation has expanded our Life Needs Program to reach more college students who are not already current or former scholarship recipients.
Our Life needs program is need-based support that assists students with removing unexpected financial barriers while completing their college degree, such as transportation, groceries or housing. Eligible applicants must be residents of St. Clair County and are currently attending a college anywhere in America.
Applicants are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and support is not guaranteed. We have multiple sources of funding, however, some funds have specific requirements for eligibility. For instance, the Douglas & Elda Webb Fund supports life needs only for graduates of Port Huron Schools.
If you have any questions, please contact Heather at heather@stclairfoundation.org or 810-984-4761.
Community Foundation
Scholarship Funds
Alexander & Celestine Lamere Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Lamere created this fund to provide support beyond tuition for students attending St. Clair County Community College. Celestine was a teacher for over 30 years and spent her entire career at the elementary school in Marine City.
This fund is a proud supporter of our Complete Your Degree success program and is restricted to current and former graduates of Marine City High School, with a preference for students with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Barbara Ann Kessler Saph Memorial Scholarship
Mr. Val A. Saph and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kessler established this scholarship fund for St. Clair High School and Marine City High School students. The recipients, chosen by the High School Principal or a committee appointed by principal, must meet the criteria set in leadership, need, good academic standing, and strong service to their school and community.
Bert D. & Rose E. Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund
Charles K. Wright established this fund in the name of his parents, Bert D. and Rose E. Wright, to provide scholarships to students attending St. Clair County Community College in a business program.
This fund is a proud supporter of our Complete Your Degree success program.
Beth Linscheid Duff Memorial Scholarship
In 2011 the Beth Linscheid Duff Memorial Scholarship was created. This scholarship fund will award scholarships to graduating seniors of Port Huron High School and Port Huron Northern High School.
Beth Linscheid Duff grew up in Port Huron before moving on to the University of Michigan and eventually earning four master degrees. Among many things, Beth valued education, along with public service and conservation. Beth passed away on St. Patrick’s Day 2010 after a 10-year battle with cancer. She left a strong legacy not only at her job but also to her family, her community and the world.
To be eligible for the Beth Lindscheid Duff Memorial Scholarship, students must:
- Be a graduating senior of Port Huron High or Port Huron Northern High School
- Recipient will be determined based on difficulty of class load (AP Class and/or college level courses) and achievement
- Demonstrate high level of participation in extra curricular activities/community involvement
Blue Water Shipmasters' Fund
Established by Captain James C. Acheson in partnership with the International Ship Master’s Association Lodge #2, income from this fund will provide scholarships for a Blue Water resident attending the Deck or Engineering program at either the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, MI, the Great Lakes International Marine Training Centre, Georgian College in Owen Sounds, Ontario, or the St. Clair County Community College transfer program in Port Huron, MI.
For more info:Georgian College Marine Program
Charles Myron & Betty Gossman Veterans Fund
This fund was established by his children in recognition of Mr. Gossman receiving the 1996 “Veteran of the Year” award from the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Council.To be eligible for the Charles Myron & Betty Gossman Veterans Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a St. Clair County Resident
- Be an honorably discharged military veteran or be the child of a veteran, or have attended Garfield Elementary
- Be enrolled as a full-time student at St. Clair County Community College
- Have maintained a “C” average prior to entering St. Clair County Community College
Applicants will be selected based on financial need, community involvement and academic performance.
Douglas and Elda L. Webb Scholarship Fund
Douglas and Elda Webb have lived in Florida for over two decades, but always considered Port Huron their home. A bequest gift from Mrs. Webb established the Douglas and Elda Webb Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund provides tuition assistance to graduates of a Port Huron high school attending a community college, trade, business or technical school in St. Clair County. Preference of a minimum 2.5 GPA.
This fund is a proud supporter of our Complete Your Degree success program.
Elizabeth John Memorial Scholarship
This temporary fund was established by the family and friends of Elizabeth John. The fund will provide scholarships to qualified students with a preference in health sciences along with support for life needs during the students’ post-secondary education and/or professional certification.
Emily Knox Law Enforcement Dedication Scholarship Fund
To honor the passion Emily Knox had for law enforcement, The Emily Knox Law Enforcement Dedication Scholarship Fund was created to support the Port Huron Police Department and their Youth Academy program.
Scholarships are awarded to graduates of the Youth Academy program and those pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Everett D. "Pete" Vincent and Mary Jane Vincent Scholarship Fund
Pete and his wife Mary Jane created a scholarship fund because Pete was a physical education major from Central Michigan University and wanted local students pursuing a similar degree to have an opportunity for a scholarship.
The Fund will provide scholarships to full-time students who will or have graduated from Port Huron High School, Port Huron Northern High School or any other Port Huron based public high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale) and majoring in physical education at Central Michigan University.
Evonne L. VanderHeuvel Scholarship
In 2012, the Evonne VanderHeuvel Scholarship Fund was established in memory of long-time Port Huron Area School District teacher Evonne L. VanderHeuvel.
Mrs. VanderHeuvel taught journalism and led her students to the completion of several award winning yearbooks. She retired from teaching in 1996 and she and her husband, Ed, enjoyed operating Van’s Greenhouse at the corner of Krafft and Parker Roads for many years.
To be eligible for this scholarship students must:
- Be a graduating senior of Port Huron Northern High School
- Be a member of the Port Huron Northern High School yearbook staff
Father Rene Desmarais & Sister Margaret Dowd Scholarship
The late Reverend Rene L. Desmarais was a life-long resident of Port Huron. Known and loved by many, he was a man of compassion for his community and the ministry. From 1969 to his passing in 2006, Father Desmarais was the director of campus ministries at St. Clair County Community College and the Newman Center. He was also pastor at St. Joseph Church beginning in 1990 and St. Stephen beginning in 2004.
His service to the community went beyond his parishes. He served on committees and boards with Mercy Hospital and helped create the People’s Clinic. As a spiritual leader, teacher and volunteer, Father Desmarais showed his care and love for the community and its residents.
Another long-term area resident and Port Huron native, Sister Margaret Dowd led her ministries in Port Huron from 1966 to 2013 as a teacher at St. Stephen High School, and as a campus minister at St. Clair County Community College and the John Courtney Newman Center. In 1991, she became co-director of the John Courtney Newman Center and continued in this ministry until 2004.
Through the Father Rene Desmarais & Sister Margaret Dowd Scholarship Fund, their love and generosity will live on. The fund bearing their names provides support for students meeting the following criteria:
Fuller Hansen Educational Trust Fund
Vera Fuller Hansen was born on September 24, 1904 in Algonac. As a child she attended Pte. Tremble School where she later taught. Vera graduated in 1923 from Algonac High School. She taught in the Algonac School System for many years.
Vera also owned and operated the Vera Fuller Real Estate Office in Clay Twp. She was a member of the Eastern Star of Marine City.
She married Walter Hansen in 1947 in New Baltimore. Walter died in 1987. He was a member of the Algonac Rotary Club and a veteran of World War I. He worked with his wife at Vera Fuller Real Estate and was a wheelsman on the Great Lakes.
Vera died on May 26, 2004 at the age of 99. Upon her wishes that scholarships be given from her estate, a trust was established with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County in her name. Vera had requested that students living in both Algonac & Marine City who “wished to help people in their profession” be considered for scholarships.
The Fuller Hansen Education Trust Fund was established on December 10, 2004 to provide scholarship support as follows:
- To graduating high school seniors or those who have graduated from high school no more than twelve months prior to submitting the application for the purpose of furthering their education at such college or university as the students may desire to attend for the purpose of becoming doctors, medical technicians, dentists, research scientists, ministers, teachers, or such other professions or pursuits that will benefit mankind
- Applicants must be a resident of Algonac, Clay Township, Marine City or Cottreville Township with continuous residency of at least twelve months prior to submitting the application
- Grantable funds from the Fuller Hansen Education Trust Fund will be divided between Algonac, Clay Township and Cottreville Township, Marine City
Howard A. Acheson Memorial Fund
This fund was established to provide scholarships for students training for careers in chemistry or engineering. Candidates are selected on academic achievement, with a secondary bias on economic need.
To be eligible for the Howard A. Acheson Memorial Scholarship, students must:
- Be a chemistry major or training for a career in an engineering discipline
- Be a St. Clair County resident
Jack S. Campbell Memorial Fund
This fund was established by Mary M. Campbell to provide tuition assistance to students who desire to further their education at a Michigan education institute and will be majoring in a STEM related field. Preference will be given to residents (or their family members) who are employed full time in the wholesale industrial supply and lighting business.
James Wilhelm Memorial Scholarship Fund
This fund was established by Dr. Daniel J. and Marcia A. Wilhelm in memory of their son, James T. Wilhelm. He was killed in a car accident in July 1987. The 23-year-old was the 1981 Golf Association of Michigan Junior Amateur Champion and was considered one of Port Huron’s outstanding athletes.
This fund provides academic scholarships for scholar-athletes from area high schools, pursuing a college degree or other secondary education.
John F. & Rose Marie Wismer Community Foundation Scholarship
John F. Wismer and Rose Marie Wismer Mr. and Mrs. Wismer were long time residents of the Blue Water Area. At the time of Mr. Wismer’s death, no one contributed more to the Port Huron area or had a greater impact as philanthropists on this area.
The John F. Wismer and Rose Marie Wismer Community Foundation Scholarship will provide a renewable scholarship to graduating students of a St. Clair County high school for as long as they pursue a bachelor’s degree. Candidates must demonstrate high intellectual and academic achievement and will be evaluated on their interest and respect for their fellow citizens, the ability to lead, and successful involvement in fine arts, athletics, co-curricular activities, service work and economic need.
To be eligible for this scholarships, students must:
- Be a St. Clair County resident
- Be a graduating senior of a high school in St. Clair County
- Demonstrate high intellectual and academic achievement and will be evaluated on their interest and respect for their fellow citizens, the ability to lead, and successful involvement in fine arts, athletics, co-curricular activities and service work
Joseph Caimi Scholarship Fund
This fund was established on February 4, 2004 to provide scholarship support as follows:
- Graduates of Algonac High School
- Eligible students may be pursuing a college education at any college or university in the United States
- Primary selection will be based on economic need with a secondary emphasis on community involvement
- Preference will be given to students pursuing a degree in education
Memphis High School Alumni Association Fund
This fund was established by the Memphis High School Alumni Association on December 23, 2005 to provide scholarships for the benefit of graduating seniors who have attended Memphis High School from 9th through 12th grades.
Primary selection will be based on economic need with a secondary emphasis on community involvement and a requirement of at least a 2.5 GPA.
It may be used to pursue a post secondary education at any college, university, trade or vocational school.
“The two cardinal reasons that Memphis High School Alumni Association voted to create an endowment scholarship fund with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County were to have a greater opportunity to make larger awards in the near future, and to help insure the continued existence of a M.H.S.A.A. Scholarship.” – Hildred Lewis, Memphis High School Alumni Association
Pauline Groff Music Scholarship Endowment
This fund, established by Patricia Schwarz in memory of Pauline Groff, offers music scholarships for outstanding students selected by the Port Huron Music Teachers Association.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of St. Clair County, Michigan.
- High school senior, college freshman or previous Pauline Groff Music Scholarship recipient accepted into a Music program.
- Auditions may be conducted before the student has been accepted into a music school. If the student is determined eligible for the award, and is not accepted into a School of Music, the award must be forfeited.
- Previous Pauline Groff Music Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply, student must submit a new application and video recorded audition.
- Submit a completed Application Form, found at www.stclairfoundation.org.
- Submit a written recommendation letter from a music teacher.
- Deadline is March 3, 2024.
- Performance must include:
- Two or three pieces from different music eras, in contrasting styles, less than 15 total minutes duration.
- Pieces written with accompanist, must be recorded with accompanist.
- Video Recording must be sent to ruthsmusiclessons@sbcglobal.net, Include: applicant’s name, title of pieces and composers.
- Photocopy of pieces, with measures numbered, can be submitted electronically to ruthsmusiclessons@sbcglobal.net, or mailed to Ruth Fry (address below). Judges will destroy the copies after use.
- Application, recommendation letter, video performance, scanned and emailed copies of music or original music scores must be submitted on-line or postmarked by the deadline. These must be sent to:
All information regarding the Pauline Groff Music Scholarship is posted on www.stclairfoundation.org.
Questions may be directed to Ruth Fry, 810-956-8037 ruthsmusiclessons@sbcglobal.net, or to Marcia Collins 810-990-9318, marciadcollins@gmail.com.
Port Huron Area School District Scholarship Fund founded by Cyril Smith & James T. Kreger Memorial Scholarship Funds
The James T. Kreger Memorial Committee established the James T. Kreger Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund was established to support the educational needs of students from PHASD high schools.
Lois C. Smith created the Cyril Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund in 1990. The fund is in memory of her husband, Mr. Cyril Smith. Mr. Smith was a teacher at Port Huron Northern High School.
Randy Sugars Memorial Scholarship
Randy Sugars passed away before he could realize his dream of enlisting in the Marine Corps. In his memory, the Sugars family established a scholarship fund that recognizes the qualities that Randy admired, including a spirit of patriotism, good citizenship, community involvement and military service.
To be eligible for the Randy Sugars Memorial Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a current or past graduate of St. Clair High School
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA upon high school graduation
- Demonstrate a spirit of patriotism and exemplary citizenship through community involvement, volunteerism, military service and/or support of military families
- Both recent graduates and adults returning home from military service are encouraged to apply
River District Hospital Auxiliary McFern-Smeltzer Scholarship Endowment Fund
This scholarship fund is named after Genevieve McFern and Ann Smeltzer. McFern was a member of the hospital governing board - she served on a number of committees and was well-known in the community. Smeltzer was a Canadian-American nurse who donated monies specifically for health education.
Applicants must be enrolled in at least their second year of a health care related course of study and must reside in St. Clair County.
Robert & Marilyn Kovach Scholarship Endowment Fund
This fund provides scholarships for students of Yale High School who meet the following criteria:
- Be a graduating senior
- Will be attending St. Clair County Community College
- Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Preference for students not receiving the Michigan Merit Award
Robert & Sophie Mordis Student Success Fund
This fund provides scholarships to qualified individuals in accordance with the criteria and preferences outlined below. This includes support for life needs during students' college education, thereby removing some financial barriers and increasing the chances for successfully completing a college degree.
Criteria for scholarship eligibility will be as follows:
- Demonstrated life need for expenses such as, but not limited to, stable housing, food, reliable transportation, nominal health expenses and childcare
- Preference given to Community Foundation of St. Clair County current or former scholarship recipient
- Students must be in good academic standing
This scholarship requires a special application.
For more information call (810) 984-4761.
St. Clair High School Scholarship Fund founded by the Trumble and Frank & Bula Carney Memorial Scholarship Funds
The Trumble Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Merlin Trumble, Lester Trumble and LuLu E. Trumble.
Criteria for the scholarship eligibility will be as follows:
- Graduate of St. Clair High School
- Preference to students pursuing a degree in the medical field
The Carney Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Dr. Frank Carney and Mrs. Bula Carney. Dr. Frank V. Carney was born in LaGrange, Indiana on October 24, 1885. He attended LaGrange High School graduating in 1905 and after teaching five years in elementary school in LaGrange he entered the Detroit College of Medicine, graduating in 1915.
Dr. Carney came to St. Clair in 1915 to practice medicine. Then duty called and he spent 13 months in the Medical Corps during World War I. He returned to St. Clair where he remained the rest of his life. At the time of his death he was completing his 15th term as Mayor of St. Clair. He died of a heart attack during lung surgery.
Dr. Carney was a quiet but very active man dedicated to his town ‘St. Clair’. Not only was he Mayor for 15 terms, but also served four years as alderman. In addition, he was a member of the school board for 24 years, active in three hospitals - St. Clair, Mercy, and Port Huron. He actively worked for better schools, roads, hospitals, city hall, fire hall, park improvements and the rebuilding of the Methodist Church and other city improvements too numerous to mention.
St. Clair Music Study Club Endowment Fund
Music scholarships for residents and/or students of the East China School District in grades 6-11 who have studied one year or more with an accredited music teacher and/or a member of a band or chorale group. Must audition and have a letter of recommendation.
This scholarship requires a special application.
Multiple scholarships are awarded each year and include:
- Patron Scholarship – Piano, Voice or Instrumental
- Dr. Richard Sargent Scholarship – Instrumental
- Betty Winslow Piano Scholarship – Piano
- Dr. JT Winslow Vocal Scholarship – Voice
- Mary Moore Organ Scholarship
- A. Haas Scholarship in memory of George W & Lillian L McLeod - Piano, Voice or Instrumental
For additional information contact Mr. Scott Fryer at (810) 676-1838 or sfryer@ecsd.us
The St. Clair Music Study Club was organized in May of 1930 by a group of St. Clair women. The purpose of the Club was to study music and promote music appreciation.
The Club usually had a theme- opera, music of the times, chorus, symphonic, etc.- and that theme guided their programs through the year. Upon the start of the Club, they soon started their first of many on-going projects, the “Christmas present”, a Christmas program for the community that included solos and instrumentals.
The Club also took on Music at the Gazebo. This program continued until the Club ended in 2001-2002. Upon the ending of the Clubs programs, they still were very interested in nurturing young musicians through scholarships and have continued to do so through this scholarship fund.
The individuals named in the scholarships provided by this fund all played a significant role in the St. Clair Music Study Club throughout the years.
Betty Winslow served as president of the Club for eight terms. She initiated “Patron Membership”, Music at the Gazebo and created a piano scholarship. Betty passed away in 2011 after giving many years to the community.
Agness Haas was a long time choir participant and member of the St Clair Music Study Club, and was also active in the choir at St. Peters Lutheran Church. She came to St Clair in 1949 and passed away there in 2006 at the age of 95. She had a great passion for music and helping people.
George and Lillian McLeod dedicated their lives to music education. Before and after coming to St Clair in 1953, George taught music at the University of Detroit and the Musical Institute of Arts in Detroit, and directed numerous choirs and choral groups. He directed the St Clair Music Study Club choir, gave private voice lessons in the area, and was also choir director for the Congregational Church in St Clair as well as several churches in Port Huron. He passed away in St Clair in 1970 at the age of 68. Lillian also taught piano in her home to many young students in St Clair. She also sang in the Music Study Club and Congregational Church choirs, while raising six children. She passed away in St Clair in 1994 at the age of 78. The McLeod’s brought a music culture to St Clair that greatly enhanced the community over many decades!
St. Clair TEC Scholarship Fund
This fund supports students who participate in the TEC program and want to pursue a post-secondary education or professional certification.
To be eligible for this fund students must meet the criteria as follows:
- Graduating high school seniors who attend St. Clair TEC
- Be in good academic standing
- Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need
- Open for students from any TEC program
Ted & Joyce Wildermuth Scholarship Fund
Long-time Marysville residents Ted and Joyce Wildermuth are leaving a legacy that will carry on their support of local students long into the future with a new scholarship meant to encourage Marysville graduates to pursue higher education opportunities.
Joyce decided to create the scholarship fund with the Community Foundation after Ted passed away in 2022 as a way to honor his memory and continue their passion for helping Marysville students.
“It was a way to honor my husband because I thought he needed to be honored,” she said. “I know he would have loved for me to have done this.”
Ted and Joyce came to Marysville from Ohio in 1965 after he was offered a teaching position in Marysville. He spent 34 years teaching history, while she was a preschool teacher for 20 years. Unable to have children of their own, they found joy in helping to shape the lives of children in the community through education and athletics. Ted began keeping the “books” for the middle and high school sports programs which included basketball, football, track, volleyball, and baseball teams, thus the beginning of a decades-long passion for keeping stats. Joyce said, "It went from one sport to another sport." He was so busy after a while Joyce figured she better work alongside him, and so she did, and "Mr. and Mrs. Stats" were born.
“In order to see my husband, I had to get involved,” she said, adding she didn’t do football because she didn’t want to run up and down the sidelines. As a team, Ted kept track of all the things that go into the official scorebook, and Joyce tracked the individual skills. They worked as a team for decades in each sport and retired as statisticians in 2014. Ted had retired from teaching in 1998, but never lost his drive to keep the “books.” The couple kept up with some of their students over the years, too.
“We got to know a lot of nice kids, and that was what we loved so much about it,” said Joyce.
Ted was inducted over several years into the Michigan Sports Hall of Honor for his service as a statistician for football, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. His service to the Vikings students as a teacher and athletics supporter spanned more than 50 years – a substantial legacy.
Joyce still lives in Marysville, and said it felt right to use the money she had available to start a scholarship fund for the community she and Ted have loved so much.
“He was a very generous man. He loved kids. He always loved doing things for children, and we couldn’t have any of our own,” she said. “This is a very loving community. They’re very generous and they’ll support you in any way they can. I hope and pray (the scholarship) will give these young people a chance to get an education and better their life and do what they want to do.”
She is also hoping to encourage others to give to help the people in their community.
To be eligible for the Ted & Joyce Wildermuth Scholarship students must:
- Be a graduate of Marysville High School
- Preference will be given to student athletes and/or students involved in the fine arts during their high school years
- This is a renewable scholarship for up to 4 years, as long as the student is in good academic standing