HANCOCK — The Keweenaw Community Foundation has announced that it will open its 2026 scholarship application on Feb. 1. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners continuing their education. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of donors committed to helping community members pursue their educational goals.

Scholarships available for spring 2026

Scholarships for graduating high school seniors

• Bernard F. Gaffney Memorial Scholarship: Available to Houghton High School seniors or alumni who demonstrate character, financial need, and determination to achieve their educational or training goals. (Up to $5,000 available)


• Copper Country Kiwanis Scholarship: Awarded to seniors at Houghton High School who share the mission of Kiwanis — dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. (Two $2,000 scholarships available)


• Esther Arnowits Weil Scholarship: Available to high school graduates from schools in Houghton County or Keweenaw County pursuing a degree at an accredited college, university, or trade school. (Up to $4,000 available)


• Faith Lutheran Church Scholarship: Preference is given to members of Faith Lutheran Church in Calumet and those entering the seminary. Eligibility is based on academic performance, leadership potential, community involvement, and financial need. (Up to $6,000 available)


• Gary Heikenen Memorial Scholarship: Available only to Keweenaw County residents (of any age) who are pursuing higher education. (Up to $1,000 available)


• Houghton Rotary Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to Houghton High School seniors who demonsrate the aptitude, motivation, and resolve necessary to continue education or training beyond high school. (Up to $3,000 available)


• Jack Eberhard Memorial Scholarship: Available to seniors at Hancock, Houghton, Calumet, Baraga, or L’Anse schools who have participated in high school golf and plan to continue their education after high school. (Up to three $1,500 scholarships available)


• Mildred “Millie” Pyorala Scholarship: Available to graduating seniors from Chassell High School. Preference is given to students pursuing degrees in education, though other fields of study will be considered. ($2,000 available)


• Richard and Clara Fedewa Scholarship: Available to female high school graduating seniors who are members of the St. Ignatius Catholic Church parish and are seeking to further their education at a college or trade school. ($2,000 available)


• Ronald and Lou Ellyn Helman Scholarship: Available to students entering post-secondary schools offering fields of study such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, secretarial, automotive services, or other trades. Students must have taken at least one CTE course during high school. ($2,000 available)


• Stuart Family Scholarship: Available to outstanding graduates of Houghton-Portage High School who have distinguished themselves academically and in extracurricular activities. (Two $6,000 scholarships available)


• Sean M. Williams Memorial Scholarship: Available to members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community or their descendants to pursue a degree in Liberal Studies or Anishinaabe Studies at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College. (Two $300 Scholarships available)


Scholarships for current college students and adult learners

• Alec Fisher Scholarship: This scholarship is available to students currently enrolled at Michigan Technological University with a preference for those majoring in Environmental Engineering or Management Information Systems. Must be junior class or above by the start of next Falls semester. (up to $2,000 available)


• Bernard F. Gaffney Memorial Scholarship: Available to Houghton High School seniors or alumni who demonstrate character, financial need, and determination to achieve their educational or training goals. (up to $5,000 available)


• Gary Heikenen Memorial Scholarship: Available only to Keweenaw County residents (of any age) who are pursuing higher education. (up to $1,000 available)


• Sean M. Williams Memorial Scholarship: Available to members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community or their descendants to pursue a degree in Liberal Studies or Anishinaabe Studies at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College. (Two $300 Scholarships available)


Music Scholarships

• Anthony and Patricia Stark Music Scholarship: Available to elementary and middle school students who are members of the Copper Country Suzuki Association or participate in Suzuki string instrument programs. (4 – $500 scholarships available, rolling deadline)


Important Dates 

• Feb. 1, 2026: Scholarship applications will open online. 


• March 15, 2026: Deadline to submit applications. 


• April 28, 2026: Scholarship recipients will be notified and announced. 


How to apply

Applicants should carefully review the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship before applying. Visit keweenawcommunityfoundation.org/scholarships for detailed information, application instructions, and required templates.

If you have questions or need assistance with your application, please contact Madelina DiLisi, Director of Programs, at 906-231-6473 or email madelina@keweenawgives.org.