The West Michigan Veterans Coalition (WMVC) is proud to support higher education for those who served and their families through three distinct scholarships, funded by the Armed Forces Thanksgiving Committee and generous private donors. Each opportunity aligns with our mission to empower military-connected individuals in West Michigan to achieve academic and vocational success.
Since its inception, WMVC has proudly awarded more than 100 scholarships to veterans, service members, spouses, and dependent children, reducing the financial burden of pursuing higher education or skilled trades. These scholarships serve as both a recognition of service and an investment in future success.
Education at All Levels
We believe all forms of learning are valuable and deserving of support, whether you’re entering college for the first time or returning to school later in life.
WMVC scholarships are open to students pursuing:
- Associate or bachelor’s degrees
- Graduate programs
- Vocational training and accredited trade schools
Available Scholarships
Armed Forces Scholarship
The West Michigan Veterans Coalition Armed Forces Scholarship is available to those that have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces to include active duty, National Guard, reserves, retired, and honorably discharged members of the United States Armed Forces who are currently attending or have been accepted into a college, university or trade…
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Armed Forces Dependent Scholarship
The West Michigan Veterans Coalition Armed Forces Dependent Scholarship is available to spouses and dependent children up to age 26 of active duty, National Guard, reserves, retired, and honorably discharged members of the United States Military who are currently attending or have been accepted into a college, university or trade school.
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John Irwin Scholarship
The West Michigan Veterans Coalition John Irwin Scholarship is available to those that have served or are serving in the US Armed Forces, their spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 who are currently attending or have been accepted into a college, university or trade school.
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Financial Support That Makes a Difference
Awards can be used to cover a wide range of academic expenses, including:
Tuition and fees
Books and course materials
Housing and meal plans
Transportation and school-related supplies
Eligible beneficiaries must reside in or physically attend a college, university, or trade school within the counties of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, or Ottawa.
2024 Scholarship Awardees
Hugo “Eddie” Porras
Grand Valley State University
- Armed Forces Scholarship
Sheona Nidefski
Grand Valley State University
- Armed Forces Scholarship
- John Irwin Scholarship
Nathaniel Hayes
Western Michigan State University
- Armed Forces Scholarship
Delany Johnson
Calvin University
- Armed Forces Scholarship
- John Irwin Scholarship