Scholarships & Grants

Gary P. and Logan L. Brown Scholarship 

• Speech/Language Pathology, Special Education, or General Education 

• Due Date: March 6, 2026

Gary P. and Logan L, Brown Scholarship Application 2026

Myra L. Jackson Scholarship 

• Special Education or General Education 

• Due Date: March 6, 2026

Myra Jackson Scholarship Application 2026

Quota Club Scholarship 

• Special Education, prioritizing a recipient who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing 

• Due Date: March 6, 2026

Quota Club Scholarship Application 2026

Rex and Ken Scholarship 

• Prioritizing a graduate from Climax-Scotts 
• Due Date: March 2nd, 2026

Rex and Ken Scholarship Application 2026

Burdick-Thorne Foundation Scholarship  

• Does not wish to have any information or gifts publicized 
   

Barbara Hawthorne Memorial Scholarship 

• EFA 
   

Tom & Marsha Conor Scholarship  

• Honoring Tom Conor, the former Executive Director of KRESA’s EFE program, an Air Force veteran, welder, machinist, aircraft and auto mechanic 
• Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Information Technology 
   

Irv and Alberta Cumming Scholarship  

• Honoring Irv Cumming, who founded KRESA’s Education for Employment program in 1986 
• Skilled Trades or Nursing 
   

Eaton Corporation Scholarship  

• Eaton is a global power management company providing electrical, aerospace, hydraulic, and vehicle products and services. This scholarship honors the long and productive working relationship with professionals from Eaton’s Michigan offices. 
• Engineering or Manufacturing 
   

Fabri-Kal Foundation Scholarship  

• The FabriKal Foundation was established in 1969 with the mission of furthering cultural diversity of the locations in which Fabri-Kal operates. 
• Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business 
   

Irving S. Gilmore Foundation Scholarship in Memory of Gayl Werme  

• Dedicated to Gayl Werme’s memory, consistent with the mission and values of the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation. 
• EFA 
   

Walter B. Forbes Aviation Scholarship  

• Aviation 
   

Home Builders Association of Western Michigan Scholarship  

• The HBAWMI provides information, advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for its members. 
• Construction Trades 
   

EFE Retired Staff Scholarship  
 

Jack and Sue Martin Scholarship  

• Automotive, Engineering, Marine Studies, or Information Technology 
   

Kalamazoo RESA Board of Education Scholarship 

• Honoring past, present, and future KRESA Board of Education Members 
   

W. Jack & Dr. Nanette Keiser Scholarship 
 

Jack and Nanette Keiser Retirement Resolution 

• Heath Sciences or Information Technology 
   

Sergeant Lisa Zuk Memorial Scholarship  

• Law Enforcement and Public Safety 
   

Miller-Davis Scholarship  

• Engineering, Manufacturing, or Information Technology 
   

Dr. W. Craig and Diane Misner Scholarship  

• Honoring the Misners, Craig was the Superintendent of KRESA from 2000-2007. Diane is a former elementary school principal and educational consultant. 
   

Nate Pollard Memorial Scholarship 

• Veterinary Science or Agricultural Science
    

Patrick J. Everett Memorial Scholarship 

• Skilled Trades 
   

Gary Rice Memorial Scholarship  

• Honoring Gary Rice, a Loy Norrix High School graduate and professional painter 
• EFA 
   

Stairway to a Career Scholarship  

• Engineering, Manufacturing, or Information Technology 
   

Tammi Mallos Memorial Scholarship 

• Education 
   

TeleCity Information Highway Scholarship  

• TeleCity was a pioneer in the field of virtual community networks 
• Information Technology 
   

Robert C. Thompson Memorial Scholarship 

• In honor of Bob Thompson, former Vice-Chairman of the EFE Advisory Committee, this scholarship serves as “a living and giving memorial to who he was.” 
   

Dr. Robert and Ruth VanderRoest Scholarship  

• Dr. VanderRoest was a longtime member of the Portage Board of Education, KRESA Board of Education, and KRESA Foundation Board of Trustees as well as an area dentist 
   

Jeanne Webster Memorial Scholarship  

• Education 
   

Donald and Ruth Webster 

• Culinary Arts 
   

Bronson Methodist Hospital Gayl F. Werme Memorial Scholarship  

• In 2003, to honor her memory, this scholarship was established in her name by Bronson Methodist Hospital, family, and friends. 
• Health Sciences 
   

Kalamazoo RESA Gayl F. Weme Memorial Scholarship  

• Honoring Gayl Werme, a proud member of both the Portage and Kalamazoo RESA Boards of Education 
   

Larry & Rose Wile Scholarship  

• In honor of 25 years of service to the KRESA Community 
   

Paul & Betts Wollam/Stephanie Jo Harris Scholarship 

• Paul Wollam served as KRESA Superintendent from 1972-1990. Betts Wollam was active with multiple community organizations. Stephanie Wollam-Harris was a longtime member of KRESA. 
• Education 
   

KRESA YOU Scholarship 

• These scholarships have been established to assist Career Pathway Planning Program participants interested in pursuing post-secondary education or training. 
   

David Haan & Stephanie Hirdning Scholarship 

• This scholarship will provide an opportunity for a WoodsEdge Learning Center student to have an adventure. 
   

Children of KRESA scholarships are now open for application. While the Children of KRESA scholarship was once widely available for eligible graduating seniors who are children of KRESA staff, criteria for this scholarship changed (effective 2025), due to a lack of a sustainable funding source. All previous commitments will be honored.

Three, $1,000 scholarships are available as follows, based on the wishes of donor whose funding supports these awards:

Eligible children of KRESA employees (must be a KRESA employee for at least 3 years) who meet the following criteria may apply:

• Graduating senior from a public school district within KRESA, excluding Kalamazoo Public Schools
• Graduating high school senior or recipient of a GED
• Preference given to students participating in KRESA programs such as career learning programs, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, and Education for the Arts.
• Planning to enter a college, university, vocational/technical/institute school, commercial school, or school of nursing.
• Grade point average 2.5 or above, excluding special education applicants

The application due date is February 27, 2026.

Children of KRESA Scholarship Application 2026

• The Targeted Assistance Grant (TAG), developed in response to staff and community feedback, is designed to support non-certified team members who show strong potential to become outstanding educators, especially in Special Education or Early Childhood Education. Whether you’re just starting your journey or continuing your education, this grant can help cover the costs and provide the support you need to succeed. 
• Due Date: March 2nd, 2026

KRESA TAG Application 2026