John R. Smith Scholarship Fund
The John R. Smith Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors and past graduates of Wayland Union High School who are pursuing a two-year or four-year degree.
The scholarship honors a family legacy rooted in Christian service, agriculture, education, leadership, and the Wayland community. Eligible students must pursue a degree in engineering, education, agriculture, or Christian Services.
Financial need is not required. However, students should complete the FAFSA, and middle-income applicants receive preference.
Use the online scholarship application portal to submit a common application. Your application enters you into the process for consideration for scholarships provided for a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, GPAs, and areas of study.
Eligibility Summary
- Graduating high school senior or past graduate of Wayland Union High School
- Accepted to an accredited post-secondary school, vocational school, or technical institute
- Pursuing a two-year or four-year degree
- Major in engineering, education, agriculture, or Christian Services
- FAFSA should be completed
- Financial need is not required
- Middle-income students are preferred
- Youth group and community service involvement are preferred
- Strong leadership ability and effort required
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the John R. Smith Scholarship Fund?
Eligible applicants are graduating high school seniors or past graduates of Wayland Union High School who have been accepted to an accredited post-secondary school, vocational school, or technical institute.
What fields of study qualify?
Applicants must pursue a two-year or four-year degree in engineering, education, agriculture, or Christian Services.
Is financial need required?
No. Financial need is not required for the John R. Smith Scholarship Fund. However, middle-income students receive preference.
Should applicants complete the FAFSA?
Yes. While financial need is not required, students should complete the FAFSA as part of the application process.
Is youth group or community service involvement required?
Youth group involvement and service through community agencies are preferred. Applicants should include relevant experiences in their scholarship application.
What personal qualities are considered?
Students must demonstrate strong leadership ability and effort. Leadership may be shown through school activities, work, volunteer service, youth groups, athletics, clubs, or community involvement.
Explore Other SCHOLARSHIPS
Barry Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarships throughout Michigan.
S.C. Blood Family Fund
Focus Area: Agriculture and Community Heritage
The S.C. Blood Family Fund supports projects that celebrate Barry County’s agricultural heritage, strengthen the legacy of family farms, and honor the close-knit communities that make Barry County unique.
Application Deadline: July 15
BCF Community Grant
Focus Area: Community Development
The BCF Community Grant supports projects that respond to local needs and strengthen Barry County across the Seven Elements of a Healthy Community.
Application Deadline: October 15
Barry Health Access
Focus Area: Health and Wellness
Barry Health Access supports efforts that increase access to health care for underserved and underinsured people in Barry County.
Application Deadline: March 15
Wilson H. Craig, Jr.
Focus Area: Education and Youth
The Wilson H. Craig, Jr. Grant supports educational opportunities for K-12 students in astronomy, math, science, engineering, technology, inventiveness, critical thinking, and creativity.
Application Deadlines: April 30 and October 31
Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grants
Focus Area: Youth Leadership
Youth Advisory Council grants represent the voices of Barry County youth and support projects that improve the lives of young people today and for future generations.
Grant Deadlines: March 15 and October 15
Mini Grant Deadlines: Available throughout the year
Delton Kellogg Education Foundation (DKEF) Grants
Focus Area: Health and Wellness
Barry Health Access supports efforts that increase access to health care for underserved and underinsured people in Barry County.
Application Schedule: Available throughout the year
Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation (TAEF) Grants
Focus Area: Community Enrichment
The Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation supports projects that cultivate a strong community in the Thornapple area, now and for the future.
Application Deadline:
- Requests from $50 - $300, available throughout the year
- Requests from $301 - $5,000, deadline October 1
GFWC: Gun Lake Area Martin Public Schools Classroom Grant
Focus Area: Education and Schools
The GFWC Gun Lake Area Martin Public Schools Classroom Grant supports classroom projects and educational opportunities for Martin Public Schools.
Application Schedule: Applications accepted during the school year
GFWC: Gun Lake Area Visual and Performing Arts Grant
Focus Area: Arts and Education
This grant supports visual and performing arts opportunities for students at Delton Kellogg, Martin, Thornapple Kellogg, and Wayland Union High Schools.
Application Deadline: May 15
Healthy Youth and Healthy Seniors Grant
Focus Area: Health and Wellness
The Healthy Youth and Healthy Seniors Grant supports programs that promote health, prevent health crises, and help young people and older adults in Barry County. Supported programs must assist with smoking cessation.
Application Deadline: August 15
Barry County Bar Association Community Improvement
Focus Area: Community Improvement
The Barry County Bar Association Community Improvement Grant supports projects that improve local communities and give back to the people of Barry County.
Application Deadline: March 15
Belonging in Barry
Focus Area: Belonging and Inclusion
The Belonging in Barry Grant supports projects and programs that help create a welcoming, vibrant community where people feel they belong.
Application Schedule: View program details for current availability
