Scholarship
Gaines Chamber Scholarship Application
Purpose:
The Gaines Chamber of Commerce annually awards scholarships to high school students who demonstrate outstanding personal character, community involvement, and leadership.
In 2026, we will award 9 Scholarships to our community High School Students!
DEADLINE - all items completed and submitted by February 28, 2026
All finalists, along with two additional honorees, are invited to attend the Gaines Chamber Scholarship and Business Award Luncheon on June 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Pine Rest Postma Center, 300 68th Street SE, Building C.
Click on the button below to register for the luncheon:
Thank you to our amazing scholarship business sponsors:
2026 Scholarship Awards
In the Spring of 2026, the Gaines Chamber of Commerce will award two (2) $1,000 scholarships. In addition, the following sponsored scholarships will also be awarded:
Pine Rest: Two (2) $1,000 scholarships
Tanner’s SPRK on the World: One (1) $1,000 scholarship
Jerry’s Body Shop: One (1) $500 scholarship
DeHaan Tile & Floor Covering: One (1) $500 scholarship
Cutlerville Eyecare: One (1) $500 scholarship
Hydroz: One (1) $500 scholarship
Thornapple River Orthopedics: One (1) $500 scholarship
ServPro of Southeast Grand Rapids: One (1) $500 scholarship
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Residency: Reside within the area bounded by 60th Street, 108th Street, Clyde Park Avenue, and Patterson Avenue, including applicants who live on either side of these boundary streets.
Student Status: Be a graduating senior from any local high school, including but not limited to: Byron Center Public Schools, Byron Center Charter, Caledonia, East Kentwood, Grand River Preparatory, South Christian, Zion Christian, West Michigan Aviation, Home-schooled students, and other qualifying schools.
Scholarship-Specific Requirements
Pine Rest Scholarships (2 – $1,000)
Applicants must plan to attend a college, university, or trade school located in the State of Michigan.
ServPro of Southeast Grand Rapids Scholarship (1 – $500)
Applicants must plan to attend a trade school, technical program, or pursue post-secondary education aligned with the skilled trades.
This scholarship supports students who demonstrate strong character, commitment, and an interest in building a career that serves their community.
All application materials must be completed and submitted by February 28, 2026.
Eligible applicants must submit all of the following by the deadline:
A fully completed 2026 Scholarship Application
A letter of recommendation from someone other than a family member, emailed to
info@gaineschamber.com
Proof of acceptance to a qualifying college, university, or trade school, emailed to
info@gaineschamber.com
Selection Process
All applications will be reviewed by the Gaines Chamber Scholarship Committee. Selected finalists will be invited to participate in an interview with the committee. Finalists will be notified of scholarship decisions by Friday, March 20, 2026. Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the educational institution that the recipient will attend.