We are pleased to announce the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship sponsored by the Regional Math and Science Center under CLAS Center for Experiential Learning at Grand Valley State University. This is a named scholarship honoring the legacy of Mary Jane Dockeray (1927-2020), founding curator of the Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids.

Each year, the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarships are awarded to seniors graduating from a public or private school in Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa Intermediate School Districts with an interest in pursuing a career in science. Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded this year to graduating seniors who plan to pursue a career in science!

The application process consists of submitting the completed application form, a personal essay, a high school transcript, and two recommendations in support of the applicant. Detailed information and application forms can be obtained by contacting high school counselors within the three counties listed above or by contacting the RMSC at (616) 331-2267.

If awarded, this scholarship may be used at any college or university of your choice. Awardees will be notified by phone and non-recipients via email by the end of April 2026. 

Click to download the 2025-2026 Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship Flyer 

Start here:

REMINDER: You must be a graduating senior from a private or public school in either Kent, Ottawa, or Muskegon Area Intermediate School Districts who is pursuing a career in science at any two or four-year college or university. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

Submit an online application

All online applications must be submitted by February 23, 2026.

Don't forget... Recommendations:

The applicant must have two recommendations as required to complete their application. One recommender must be a current teacher/educator/administrator from the applicant's school and one recommender may not be connected with the applicant's high school.

It is the applicants responsibility to send this to their recommenders to fill out. Recommendation forms may not be submitted by the applicant. 

Click to submit an online recommendation form

Recommendation forms submitted online must be completed by February 23, 2026. 

How do I know if I completed the application process?

Make sure to have the following submitted: 

• A typed personal essay (see application for details)
• An official high school transcript (see application for details)
• Two recommendation form
  • One school recommendation form
  • One recommender form NOT related to your high school

The recipients for this scholarship are selected on the basis of academic achievements and potential for succeeding in a career in science. Financial need is not a factor in the selection process. Awardees will be notified by phone and non-recipients will be notified by email at the end of April 2026.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship or have issues submitting your application or recommendation form online, please contact: Olga L. Kryger at [email protected] or call (616) 331-2267

2024-2025 MARY JANE DOCKERAY AWARDEES

• Christina Koratich
• Max Stefanski 

Please visit the Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship Winners page for a list of current and past winners. Please note that this is a partial listing; Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarships have been awarded since 1993!