Best Vocational Rehab Grants in Indiana

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Esther Sheehy McShurley Scholarship Fund

For Esther Sheehy McShurley, giving back has always meant investing in young lives. Whether volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of Port Salerno or raising funds through its annual events, Esther has seen firsthand how early support can change a child’s path.

“It provides a wonderful start for the boys and girls,” she says. “If we can get to children while they’re young, they can become better citizens when they get older.”

Wanting to extend her impact beyond today, Esther created the Esther Sheehy McShurley Scholarship Fund through a charitable remainder unitrust with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The scholarship will help graduating seniors from Martin County high schools, with a preference for students pursuing vocational or technical education.

She hopes the fund will empower students who are ready to learn skills, launch careers, and build better futures — especially those who dream of starting their own businesses. “There is a great need for scholarships for young people who want to apply their knowledge directly to making a living,” she says.

Esther sees her scholarship as an extension of the work she loves most: encouraging young people to believe in their potential and take their first steps toward independence.

“This is my legacy,” she says. “It’s nice to know that the children who receive this scholarship will know who I am and what I cared about. It’s a good feeling to know that someone will have an opportunity to make something of themselves — and make this a better world.”

Roy F. Mather Scholarship

Born in 1918, Roy F. Mather, Jr. described himself as the product of the Great Depression. He contributed to his family's livelihood at a young age, caring for his two younger brothers and working a wide range of agriculture-related jobs available in California's San Fernando Valley. During World War II, Roy worked on merchant ships that sailed from northern Chile to Washington's Puget Sound, transporting nitrate for explosives production. After the War, Roy returned to southern California to marry his wife, Geraldine. They had two children and were married 59 years. Roy applied the work ethic developed in his youth to a variety of jobs—as a Fuller Brush dealer and at aeronautical engineering positions at Lockheed and McDonald Douglas. While raising a family and often working more than one job, Roy took classes at night offered through the University of California's extension services – math, science and law. Later, Roy and his wife lived in Latin America which held a special place for them.

Roy retired in 1969, and he and Geraldine moved to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In his early 60's, Roy could swing a heavy Polanski needed to fight forest fires and later was a spotter for firefighting aircraft. In 1975, Roy and Geraldine moved to Vancouver, Washington.

Roy's character, direction and drive were shaped during times that were much tougher than most of us experience today. In commenting on his hope for his scholarship fund, Roy said, "I want the students to be goal oriented and serious. Earnest, really. I know those are broad terms, but they are ones that helped me throughout my life. I want to reward those students who possess these qualities that will contribute to their future success and life fulfillment."

Award Information

Awards are between $2,000 - $3,500 and are at the discretion of the committee.

Robert and Margaret Pulliam Scholarship

This scholarship was established to encourage and reward academic excellence and community service.

Award Information

6 scholarships are awarded each year. Awards will likely be between $1,400-$1,600.

Phoenix Scholarship Fund

Award Amount

Several scholarships in the range between $2,000 - $5,000 may be awarded at the scholarship committee's discretion.

Maury and Betty Hull Endowed Scholarship

The Maury and Betty Hull Scholarship was created to honor their lives and appreciation for their hometown, Forks, WA. The scholarship was established to help community students pursue their higher education dreams.

Award Information

Awards begin at $2,000 and are at the discretion of the committee.

LSW Architects Legacy Scholarship

The LSW Architects Legacy Scholarship Fund was established in honor of LSW Architects' founding leaders and their ability to imagine and build in creative space. 

Number and Size of Awards:

The number and size of awards may vary and are determined by the selection committee. Minimum award amount is $2,500.

Number of Awards: 4

Total Amount Awarded: $10,000

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Weitz Company Scholarship Fund

Can go to college or vocational school with a major or emphasis in one of the following fields of study:

• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Management
• Interior Design
• Other Construction-related fields (e.g., construction project management, mechanical/electrical engineering and trades).

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Randy and Tina Harris Family Scholarship Fund

The Randy and Tina Harris Family Scholarship Fund is responsive to workforce readiness needs. This scholarship will be available on a rolling basis, students may apply at any time. Randy, a member of the Board of Governors at The Community Foundation starting in June 2022, owned two businesses in the area until 2021, Ultimate Subaru and Ultimate Buick GMC. As an active businessperson, philanthropist and retiree, he seeks to give back to the community he calls home. Tina and Randy have been friends to the foundation through leadership and participation, also contributing to the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits and through the Randy and Tina Harris Family Charitable Fund. 

Apply for a Scholarship

While it is common for students to go to college after high school, earning a college degree isn’t the only option after high school, nor is it the right option for everyone.

The trades are vital, though often underappreciated, career fields that are essential for the functioning of society. Skilled trades are the backbone of our society and can be lucrative, stable career opportunities. In areas like construction, manufacturing, technology and medicine there are trades where people are able to make significant contributions to our world.

African Americans are very underrepresented in these fields. To ensure the brightest future possible, it’s crucial for African Americans interested in the trades to have the financial resources necessary to further their education.

Randy’s father, James Harris, had a successful career as a machinist and welder. He demonstrated that a college degree was not a necessity for a successful career. This scholarship was created for those African American students like James Harris, who are inspired to develop their talents in trades or taking non-traditional paths to further their education.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Jeremy Daniel Hawley Skilled Trades and Technical Education Fund

Humility and hard work -- this scholarship was established in memory of Jeremy Daniel Hawley, who personified these two ideas. A 2001 graduate of Fredericksburg Christian High School and resident of King George county, Jeremy was admired by friends and family, fellow students and teachers for his character and integrity, his community service and his strong commitment to Christian values.

Jeremy was not known for his academic success, but rather for his strong internal compass and his drive to be successful on his own terms. He completed a community college certificate program in heavy equipment operation and began working for a builder while taking business classes at night. In less than a year he had progressed to crew supervisor in his job, but in 2003 an automobile accident took his life before he could realize his dream of running his own excavation business.

This scholarship is intended to promote hard work, skilled trades and personal character in the name of Jeremy Hawley. 

Who We Are

We weave the work of communities, connecting and uplifting passionate people, critical resources and transformational ideas. Working side by side with every corner and sector of our region, we have identified social and economic justice as the most critical elements to a thriving community. We serve to advance efforts in these areas by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and authentic engagement for a more equitable southwest Washington.

John and Maradee Potter Scholarship

Maradee Potter established this scholarship to honor her husband, John who died in 2021. John was retired from his career as a proofreader legal editor. John and Maradee were married for 36 years. Maradee is honoring her husband and her work to provide scholarships for students who have graduated from high schools located in Clark County, Washington and have been a recipient of Special Education services with a documented disability. Maradee worked in the Vancouver Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher during her career and continues to be an advocate for people with disabilities by serving on the Clark County Community Services Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Homes for Community Living Board. It is important to the donor that people with disabilities have equitable access to education and the support necessary to pursue post-secondary education and career training.

Award Information

The number and amount of scholarships will be determined by the scholarship committee. The scholarship may be renewable. Renewal applicants must reapply each year.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Robert J. O’Connor Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Robert J. O’Connor Memorial Scholarship Fund was created as a way to honor his long-standing relationship with the Community Foundation and the passion he held for helping local students pursue their educational goals. Bob’s connection to the Community Foundation started when he was the recipient of a scholarship as a 1962 graduate of East Aurora High School. He would later serve nine years as a Foundation Board member.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Tarpley, Bill Scholarship

This fund was established in honor of Bill Tarpley, who served as Principal of Central High School by his family and friends. The fund provides graduating seniors with a learning disability an opportunity to attend vocational school or college.

Guidelines:

• One scholarship will be awarded on a one-time basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

• No less than $300 depending on available funds.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

Townsend, R.E. Educational Scholarship

This fund was established by the trustees of the R.E. Townsend Educational Fund to provide academic scholarships to students intending to further their education.

Guidelines:

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

Minimum of $1,000 and maximum of $2,000 per recipient depending on the fund balance. 

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

Steven, James W and Cecile I Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by the James W and Cecile I Steven Trust to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors living in the counties of Andrew, MO or Buchanan, MO.

Guidelines:

• Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

• As many non-renewable awards as balance allows.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

Liebling For Worthy Students Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to students graduating from the St. Joseph School District and past recipients.

Guidelines:

• Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

• Minimum of $1,500 one-time award

The Gronstrand Ernst Scholarship, managed by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and adult re-entry students with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Eligible applicants must be residents of San Luis Obispo County, attend a university or vocational program, and demonstrate financial need, with English as their second language. This scholarship aims to empower students to pursue their educational dreams and contribute positively to the community.

Perry County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Perry County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

J. Matthew Moore Memorial Scholarship

Annual, renewable scholarship created in memory of Matthew Moore by his wife, Lucy Goffinet, and his parents, John E. and Ann C. Moore, to help students pursuing advanced education.

Award Amount

• $1,580
• May be renewable for consecutive sophomore, junior and senior years. 
• Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award.

Gibson County Community Foundation

Established in 1993, the Gibson County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. 

Roy and Dorotha McCarty Scholarship

Annual scholarship created by the estate of Roy G. McCarty.

Perry County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Perry County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

Jamon L. Burchett Memorial Scholarship

An annual, renewable scholarship established in memory of Jamon L. Burchett by his parents, Rich and Julie, and his brother, Travis, to honor Jamon's love for electrical repair.

Award Amount

• $1,490

Renewal Details

May be renewable for a second year provided student continues to pursue education or training in a vocational field (i.e. auto mechanics, welding, electrical, plumbing, etc.) and remains in good standing with his or her college or university. Renewal award amounts may differ from the original award.

The Edward L. Feick Vocational Training Scholarship supports residents of Erie County, Ohio, pursuing accredited vocational training or apprenticeship programs. Established by a non-profit organization in 1995, the scholarship aims to enhance community quality of life. Financial need is considered, and recipients may renew the scholarship for up to three additional years at the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee. Preference is given to graduates of Sandusky High School attending EHOVE.

The Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky offers a scholarship fund aimed at supporting female residents of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, or Sandusky Counties, Ohio. This fund is specifically for women aged 23 and older who are returning to education after a break. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a 2-4 year undergraduate program at an accredited institution, empowering them to enhance their educational and professional prospects.

The Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky High School STEM Scholarship Fund provides financial support to female high school seniors from Erie, Huron, or Ottawa County, Ohio, who plan to pursue a degree in STEM or medical fields at accredited institutions. Established by the Zonta Club, this scholarship aims to empower young women to contribute positively to their communities by facilitating access to higher education opportunities. Since its inception, it has fostered academic growth and leadership among recipients.

The Six Flags Lamond Jasper Maintenance Scholarship supports dedicated maintenance associates of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Eligible applicants must have at least 12 months of employment, be a high school graduate or GED holder, and be enrolled in a vocational training or apprenticeship program focused on trade or maintenance roles in the U.S. This scholarship aims to empower individuals to enhance their skills and contribute positively to their communities.

The Six Flags Associate Scholarship, offered by the Erie County Community Foundation, aims to support recent high school graduates or college students with financial need. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be enrolled in an accredited institution in the U.S. Preference is given to those demonstrating community service and leadership. This scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, ensuring ongoing support for scholars committed to enhancing the quality of life in Erie County.

The Burney and Lucy Lehman Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, provides financial support for up to four years of post-secondary education to graduating seniors from North and South Decatur High Schools. This scholarship aims to assist students who face challenges in pursuing higher education, promoting academic success and community engagement. For eligibility, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. More information can be found at ndsdscholarship.com.

The Cecelia Springmeyer Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support North and South Decatur students pursuing post-secondary education in law enforcement, criminal justice, animal husbandry, agronomy, or teaching. Applicants must reside within the Decatur County Community Schools district and may receive a minimum scholarship of $1000 to ease their educational costs. For more details, visit ndsdscholarships.com.

The Mystery Donor Vocational Scholarship Fund, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports local students accepted into vocational schools. This scholarship aims to assist those pursuing hands-on careers through skill development in various institutions or apprenticeship programs. By easing financial burdens, it encourages students to gain practical experience and contribute to their communities, fostering a skilled workforce for the future.