Assistantships and Scholarships

Many SPNA students take advantage of the available programs that can help finance a higher education. What follows is information on some of these programs. (Note that The Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Robinson Memorial Scholarship, Harry S. Truman Scholarship, and Coleman A. Young Scholars Program are not affiliated with SPNA or GVSU.) For helpful information about scholarships, see www.scholarshiphelp.org

For graduate & undergraduate students

John H. Logie Fellows Program

The John H. Logie Fellows Program, named for the long-standing mayor of Grand Rapids, offers students at Grand Valley State University an exceptional opportunity to experience and contribute to the operations of Grand Rapids' city government.

Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship

The Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the Michigan Township Association to a junior, senior, or graduate student pursuing a degree in public administration or related field at a Michigan college or university. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, as determined by applicants academic achievement, community involvement and commitment to a career in local government administration.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation Scholarships

Each year The Grand Rapids Community Foundation awards numerous scholarships to Kent County residents. Some select scholarships are also available for Ottawa County residents.

GVSU Financial Aid

Undergraduate students can apply for various forms of federal, state and institutional financial aid available through Grand Valley State University's Office of Financial Aid.

Graduate students are also eligible for the federal loan and work-study programs coordinated by Grand Valley State University's Office of Financial Aid. Direct Loans are the primary source of assistance for GVSU graduate students. Graduate students who are independent may borrow up to their cost of education with a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans. (See The Department of Education's William D. Ford Direct Loan Program for details.)

For graduate students only

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships can be a valuable part of MPA education, particularly for students who are pre-career. Graduate assistantships require 20 hours of work per week under the supervision of a faculty or staff member. Most GAs work with professors on research and service projects. In return, assistantships provide a $4,000 per semester stipend and a tuition waiver of up to 12 credits per semester. SPNA currently employs about 7 graduate assistants per semester. Students interested in applying for a graduate assistantship must apply for admission to the MPA program (unless they have already been admitted) and send a letter of interest and current resume to the by May 1 to Mark Hoffman (616.331.6587, HoffmanM@gvsu.edu

MPA students have also had graduate assistantships with various GVSU departments and centers, including the Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Community Research Institute, Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, Graduate Studies and Grants Administration, Information Technology, Office of Financial Aid, Kirkhof School of Nursing, and the Athletic Department. Inquire directly to these departments about graduate assistant opportunities. For posted GA positions openings see the listings at Graduate Studies and Grants Administration.

Joyce F. Hecht Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy

The Joyce F. Hecht Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy is awarded to outstanding full or part-time graduate students pursuing career paths in fundraising, grant writing, grant making and other areas of nonprofit development. The scholarship is competitive, awarded on the basis of past academic scholarship, prior nonprofit service, and stated career objectives. Candidates must be enrolled in (or applying to) a degree program at GVSU and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Part-time students currently working in the nonprofit sector are encouraged to apply. In special cases, junior and senior undergraduate students will be considered for the scholarship. Application for this scholarship is done through SPNA. Please send inquire by May 1 to Mark Hoffman (616.331.6587, HoffmanM@gvsu.edu

KCP Future Faculty Fellows Program

Qualified minority MPA applicants who intend to pursue a doctorate at a Michigan postsecondary institution within a year of receiving a master's or begin a full-time teaching career in a Michigan postsecondary institution for a minimum of three years may apply to the The KCP Future Faculty Fellows Program. KCP Scholarships may be received for a maximum of two and a half years. The total award will not exceed $15,000. The scholarship is competitive.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government , the nonprofit sector or elsewhere in public service, and wish to attend graduate or professional school to help prepare for their careers. Truman Scholars participate in leadership development programs and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. A nomination for the Truman Scholarship must come from the university. If you think you would be a good candidate, contact your SPNA advisor.

For undergraduate students only

Henry and Juanita Dungey Excellence Award

Henry Dungey (MPA, 2000) and his family sponsor a scholarship, the Henry and Juanita Dungey Excellence Award, which provides $1,000 each year for an outstanding minority public administration major in his or her junior year at Grand Valley State University. Inquire to Dan Balfour (616.331.6575, BalfourD@gvsu.edu)

Michigan Promise Scholarship

The The Michigan Promise scholarship (Public Act 479 of 2006) signed in law by Governor Granholm on December 21, 2006, provides up to $4,000 to high school graduates for successfully completing two years of postsecondary education.

The Coleman Young Foundation Scholars Program awards college scholarships, facilitates Scholars' success, and creates future leadership. CAYF scholarships are for $5,000 per year for four years of college. Thus, the total value of the award is up to $20,000 for the student who competes his or her degree.

Other Scholarship & Loan Resources

The following free web-based databases identify sources of scholarships and loans for undergraduate through postgraduate study.

• FastWeb Scholarship Search
• Scholarship Resource Network Express