Bay Commitment Scholarship applications open Dec. 1 after nearly $50,000 boost

Photos of past Bay Commitment Scholarship winners hang on the wall at the Bay Area Community Foundation.Andrew Dodson | The Bay City Times

BAY CITY, MI — Thanks in part to some generous donations, up to 100 first-generation college students in Bay County can apply for a significant scholarship.

The Bay Area Community Foundation this week accepted a $38,000 grant for the Bay Commitment Scholarship from the Meijer Foundation and a $9,500 grant from S.C. Johnson.

The Bay Commitment Scholarship is a program established in 2007 that provides $2,000 scholarships to students who are attending Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University. The student has to be a first-generation college student, meaning neither of their parents hold a bachelor's degree.

"We are thrilled that the Meijer Foundation has demonstrated their commitment to education in our area through this grant," said Eileen Curtis, CEO of the Bay Area Community Foundation. "Our local Meijer stores are actively involved with our local schools and we're grateful for their support."

The community foundation continues to raise money for a $4 million endowment that would fund the $200,000 needed each year for the 100 scholarships. To date, the endowment is $895,000 short, Curtis said. The money from Meijer and S.C. Johnson helped fill the shortfall this year.

Beginning Dec. 1, Bay County seniors who are heading to Delta or SVSU can apply for the Bay Commitment Scholarship online at www.bayfoundation.org. The application deadline is March 7.

The biggest change to this year's scholarship requirements is that students can take a minimum of nine credit hours, instead of 12, at either of the two local colleges beginning in the fall following high school graduation.

Since 2007, 800 Bay County high school graduates have taken advantage of the Bay Commitment scholarship. Of those who applied, 27 percent attended SVSU and 73 percent attended Delta College.

Also beginning Dec. 1, Bay County seniors can begin applying for more than 100 donor-based scholarships offered through the foundation. Students can apply for up to 15 scholarships, including the Bay Commitment scholarship, using the online tool.

Students with questions or assistance are encouraged to visit the Great Lakes Bay College and Career Resource Center on the ground level of the Pere Marquette Depot, 1000 Adams St., in downtown Bay City.

The Bay Area Community Foundation offices are located on the second floor of the depot.

Source: Bay Commitment Scholarship applications open Dec. 1 after nearly $50,000 boost