VERN HYDE SCHOLARSHIP
Offering college/university, trade, and vocational school opportunities.
Community West Credit Union understands the value of higher education and how it helps prepare younger generations to serve their communities, as well as the difficulties many students face in addressing the high cost of tuition and other related expenses.
Community West awards the 2025 Vern Hyde Scholarship to one student for the fall 2025 semester: for an individual planning to attend or currently attending a college/university, trade, or vocational program. This student can be an upcoming High School graduate, or a current college/trade/vocational student.
This scholarship aims to acknowledge and reward outstanding efforts in leadership, volunteerism, and community involvement. The scholarships will be awarded in the form of a check presented directly to the college, university, or trade program to help offset the cost of tuition and/or books and supplies.
Grand Prize Winner: $3,000 Scholarship
Must be a member in good standing for six months by July 1, 2025. Account verification is required after entry. Applicant must be a member, not joint or a family member of a member to be eligible. Eligibility is limited to high school seniors, current college students, or current trade school students who live or attend school in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, or Ottawa counties. There is no age limit for applicants. The application and essay must be completed by the individual who is applying for the scholarship. These scholarship funds may only be used for an undergraduate college/university, trade, or vocational program. Funds will be disbursed at the discretion of the credit union prior to the beginning of the academic year. The application deadline is 11:59 PM on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
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2024 Vern Hyde Scholarship Recipients
1st Place:
High School Senior
Ashlyn A: Ashlyn is the recipient of the $2,000 Grand Prize High School scholarship. A graduate of West Catholic High School, Ashlyn will be attending Aquinas College in the fall to pursue a degree in English.
Runner-Up:
High School Senior
Reese G: Reese is the recipient of the $1,500 High School scholarship. A graduate of Caledonia High School, Reese will attend the University of Alabama in the fall to pursue degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
1st Place:
College Student
Sarah H: Sarah is the $1,000 college student scholarship recipient. Sarah is currently pursuing degrees in Pre-Med and Biology at Ferris State University.
1st Place:
Trade Program
Reece A: Reece is the winner of the $2,000 Trade program scholarship. Reece is currently pursuing the HVAC Program at Ferris State University.