Best Higher Education Grants in Virginia

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships

AWS Foundation Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships provide funding for welding educators to advance their skills and impact in teaching. Aimed at current educators in welding-related fields, these scholarships demonstrate AWS's dedication to enriching welding education.

District Educator Scholarships

Each of AWS’s 22 Districts awards educator scholarships worth $500 to $2,000.

To see which District your school is in, view the AWS District and Section Directory.

Funds are paid directly to the educational institution or organization providing the training.

The AWS Educator Professional Development Scholarships are awarded annually in May or June.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Lakeview High School Class of 2020 Senior Scholarship Fund

The Senior class of 2020 exemplified strength and perseverance in an unprecedented time of change, disappointment, and new concepts of learning due to the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Epidemic. Through private funding of the Senior parent class committee, the amount of $6,000,00 has been raised, and will be provided in $1,000.00 increments per year, until the amount is no longer available. The fund will be awarded to an eligible Senior student who is able to provide a well written, profound, 500-word essay, explaining how they have persevered in their life, in spite of difficulty, in order to be successful by example, as they go forward in the next phase of their life.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Multiple Sclerosis Scholarship

Dr. Rose Marie Lovio designed this scholarship with her favorite quote in mind: "Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it". This scholarship is designed for a student who has been directly diagnosed with the disease or who has a close family member who lives with multiple sclerosis. This chronic illness offers a multitude of challenges and this scholarship seeks a recipient who exudes positivity despite those challenges.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel Calhoun Scholarship Fund

The Calhoun County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) was established in 1923, with four objectives:

• To promote greater interest in legislation affecting retired school employees;
• To furnish a practical basis for united action among those devoted to the cause of public education;
• To support in every way possible the MARSP and the American Association of Retired Persons, NRTA Division; and
• To promote voluntary participation by its members in civic and  educational affairs.

This scholarship was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to relatives of the current membership of the Calhoun County Chapter of the MARSP who seek educational opportunities beyond high school. Other educational related opportunities may also be supported by this scholarship.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Leland, Dorothea, & Barbara McLain Scholarship Fund

The Leland, Dorothea, & Barbara McLain Scholarship was established by Barbara in honor of her parents who provided a good home and strong upbringing for her. The fund provides a scholarship to graduates and graduating seniors of Battle Creek area public high schools who are pursuing a career in education.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Lillian A. Jones Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in memory of Lillian A. Jones to support academic scholarships for graduate students who are Calhoun County residents. "Often times students finish their undergraduate degree and are in debt or just don't have the funds to continue on to higher degrees," said Lillian speaking about her fund, "There is a real need for these students too."

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Mac & Betty Behnke Scholarship Fund

The Mac & Betty Behnke Scholarship was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to Battle Creek area students who seek educational opportunities beyond high school.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Louis E. Maddalena Battle Creek Area Scholarship

The Louis E. Maddalena Battle Creek Area Scholarship Fund has been established for the purpose of providing scholarships to greater Battle Creek area public and private high school graduating seniors and graduates, pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities, who have accepted to or are enrolled at a 2-year or 4-year college or university, technical or trade school. Preference will be given to graduating seniors.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Lionel and Muzzie Wood Family Scholarship Fund

The Muzzie Wood Scholarship was established in loving memory of Muzzie by her family after she passed away on March 16, 2001. In 2010, the name of the fund changed to the Lionel and Muzzie Wood Family Scholarship Fund and its support of Battle Creek area students expanded. Muzzie enjoyed spending time with her husband, Woody, their three daughters, stepson, and eight grandchildren. She loved the outdoors, flower and vegetable gardening, sewing, remodeling, fishing, and turkey and duck hunting. Her husband laughingly recalls a time she wore her sneakers in the river, knee-deep, and caught a salmon bare handed! Muzzie always had a smile on her face and gave more than she received. Woody, enjoys an active and blessed life rarely missing an opportunity for fun and fellowship at the Y Center of Battle Creek and spending time with family and friends, This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors within Calhoun County who are members of a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. If there are no eligible members, members of a Christian-based church may also be considered.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Leroy McKinney Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Leroy McKinney Jr., who was a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, Class of 1988. Upon graduation, he studied Pre-Engineering in college. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit. Though he struggled with mental illness, one of his proudest accomplishments in life, was returning to college as an adult and completing his Bachelor's degree in Business Management. He would be honored to know this scholarship was created in his legacy to support other African American men to pursue their education in these fields.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund

The John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund was established by the Schils family in 2020 as a memorial tribute to John "Jack" Schils, a multi-sports coach, athletic director, teacher, principal, father, grandfather, husband and friend to many. This fund supports students from the Battle Creek Public Schools District where Jack was employed from 1958 until his retirement in 1986.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Larry Inman Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund

The Larry Inman Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund has been established to provide scholarships to Harper Creek Community Schools graduating seniors pursing degrees and future employment in the skilled trades. Larry Inman was a Harper Creek High School, class of 1967 graduate. He excelled in many sports, but was an exceptional baseball player. After high school Larry attended Kellogg Community College pursuing a career in Graphic Arts before serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. Larry fought for his country and was awarded many medals including the Bronze Star. He returned to Battle Creek and retired from the Kellogg Company after 35 years of dedicated employment. Larry was a very kind and generous person who cared about the education of local youth.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

George Byelich Student Athletic Scholarship Fund

Participation in and enjoyment of sports and athletics were a big part of George's life. Growing up in Lansing, Michigan as the fifth child in a family of eight of immigrant parents, George somehow managed to learn how to play golf at an early age. Golf and the friendships he made in the sport were a very important and enjoyable part of his life. George also ran on the Track and Cross country teams at Lansing Eastern High School and ran Cross Country at Michigan State University. The Lakeview School District, its students and staff were also a very important part of George's life. By living across the street from Lakeview High School, having two sons graduate from there and by participating in many school-related activities over the course of thirty years, George made many cherished friends and acquaintances with the students, staff and coaches. Through his efforts over twenty years as a volunteer timer and referee for LHS, Kellogg Community College and Battle Creek Swim Club swim meets, George got to know several generations of swimmers and their families. George also volunteered as a timer for Cross Country meets, and for a number of years was a volunteer assistant tot he Boys' and Girls' Golf Teams. In these and other sports, George especially enjoyed seeing the development and progression of the athletes, both in sports and as individuals. As sports and athletics were so important to his development and enjoyment, George was always glad to see a child's interest in any type of sport of physical activity and did his best to encourage it. Accordingly, his family is very appreciative and proud that this Fund has been established in recognition of George, and may in some way assist in the growth and development of students through their participation in sports or athletics. 

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Kristin & Michael Bauman Scholarship Fund

Kristin Bauman, as a teacher and consultant, taught hearing impaired students in Pennsylvania and Calhoun County, Michigan for over 30 years. She had lost the majority of her own hearing in her youth which served to motivate her to help others with this disability. After retiring, she was approached by a former hearing impaired student who as an adult, wished to return to college. Kristin was reminded of how difficult it was to find the financial resources to go to college. In researching the scholarships available to students with disabilities, she found there were few scholarships offered for students with disabilities especially within the Calhoun County, Michigan area. Students with hearing impairments have to work harder than most to not only obtain but succeed in higher education. Kristin and her family would like to help hearing impaired students, as well as their future teachers, make higher education a reality through this scholarship.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Louise M. Cryderman Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Louise M. Cryderman, who established the Louise M. Cryderman Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Louise Cryderman was Muskegon's first legal assistant and active in many women's groups during her career. She worked for Stephen H. Clink, founder of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and Landman, Latimer, Clink, and Robb law firm. She realized the importance and effectiveness of making a charitable gift that keeps on giving. Since she had no children and was a widow when she died in 1977, she left the bulk of her estate, including her house, to the Community Foundation. According to her wishes, this scholarship is to help worthy students with the cost of higher education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Margaret and Dr. Paul Borton Music Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dr. Paul Borton, who established the Margaret and Dr. Paul Borton Music Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in memory of his wife, Margaret Borton. Margaret "Maggie" Borton arrived in Muskegon in the late 40s, bringing with her the rich heritage and culture of South Carolina. Not having had the opportunity in her youth to pursue music, she sought ways to include it in her daily life, enjoying the many concerts and festivals available in our area. Maggie always admired the talented youth she met in Muskegon's musical community. Knowing of her dream, her love for people and her passion for music, Maggie's husband, Paul established the Margaret Borton Music Scholarship Fund in her memory to provide scholarship assistance to Muskegon County students who will major in music in college.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Marguerite C. Lucas Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by an anonymous donor, who established the Marquerite C. Lucas Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in honor of Marquerite Lucas. Marguerite C. Lucas had great passion for education. She stressed the importance of perseverance and a "do what you have to do" attitude to pursue your dreams. Her legacy will continue through this scholarship geared towards helping women pursue an education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

MPS/Dietz Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the MPS/Dietz Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarship s for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarships and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

MPS/Harry E. and Clara H. Brown Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the MPS/Harry E. and Clara H. Brown Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarships for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarships and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

MPS/Douma Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the MPS/Douma Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarship s for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarships and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

MPS/Roelofs Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the MPS/Roelofs Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarship s for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarships and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

MPS/Frauenthal Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the Frauenthal Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Frauenthal Scholarship, which was established by the late Mr. A. Harold Frauenthal and the Frauenthal family, is available to graduating seniors from Muskegon County who have demonstrated scholastic standing and are in the top 5 percent of their class.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

MPS/Edward J. and Joan Stewart Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Joan Stewart, who established the Edward and Joan Stewart Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Both Edward and Joan Stewart were graduates of Muskegon High School. They both valued the importance of education. Joan established this fund in 1978 in memory of her husband. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarships for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarship s and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Maureen Linck Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of Maureen Linck, who established the Maureen Linck Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in memory of Maureen. Maureen Linck had no lack of courage. At the age of 10, she was diagnosed with an illness similar to muscular dystrophy. In the face of this challenge, Maureen continued living her life on her own terms. She studied piano, practiced crafts such as counted cross stitch and other handiwork, and made gifts of her work. In 1985, at 15, Maureen was involved in an automobile accident. As a result of the accident and her illness-related difficulties, Maureen lapsed into a coma and died six weeks later. Maureen's family and friends, as a tribute to her courage and love for life, created this scholarship in her honor.

The scholarship has been established to help Muskegon area youth pursue higher education. To the credit of Maureen's parents, Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Linck, and other contributors to this, Maureen's spirit will endure and continue to contribute through the lasting gift of education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Marguerite Holcomb Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Marguerite Holcomb, who established the Marguerite Holcomb Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Marguerite Holcomb was described by the Muskegon Chronicle as the "grand first lady of Muskegon city politics." When she died, in 1988, her family and friends established a fund to honor the memory of Muskegon's first woman City Commissioner and first woman Mayor. We know that Marguerite Holcomb, who was always ahead of her time and always Muskegon's biggest booster, would be very pleased that her memorial fund will be used to support students pursuing a degree or certification in urban planning, political science, women's studies, social work, sociology or another social science, architecture, etc.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Hispanic Community Services Coaltion Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Hispanic Community Services Coalition, who established the Hispanic Community Services Coalition Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Mission of the Hispanic Services Coalition of Muskegon County is to serve the Hispanic community through education, health information and services as an instrument in improving their quality of life. HCSC promotes the Hispanic culture within Muskegon County and acts as a cultural reference. This scholarship is for a Hispanic or Latino graduating seniors who are residents of and/or attend high school in Muskegon County.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Jackson-Merkey Contractors Educational Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Steve Jackson and Gary Merkey, who established the Jackson-Merkey Contractors Educational Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Steve Jackson and Gary Merkey have been friends since high school and business partners for many years now. They were really excited to start this find and wish they had thought of it long ago. This scholarship will benefit Muskegon County high school graduates working toward any degree but with a preference given to students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering or Constuction Management.