Richard D Prestage Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Gratiot County Community Foundation
Overview
The Dick Prestage Nursing Scholarship supports individuals who live or work in Gratiot County and are pursuing education in the field of nursing. The scholarship was established by the Prestage family to honor Dick Prestage’s commitment to quality nursing care and to continue his legacy through support for nursing education. Applicants benefit from a community-focused fund administered to increase access to continuing education for nurses. The program emphasizes local eligibility and continuing professional development.
Description: Supporting those residing or employed in Gratiot County in the pursuit of an education in the field of nursing.
History of the Award: Established by the family of Dick Prestage—an Alma-based CPA, entrepreneur, and long-time healthcare administrator—to honor his dedication to quality nursing care following his death in 2003.
Award Value: Three scholarships for $1,325 each.
- Local scholarship focused on nursing education.
- Established in memory of a local healthcare and community leader.
- Multiple awards available each cycle.
Requirements
Applicants must meet local residency or employment criteria and be actively pursuing nursing education. Prior recipients are eligible to apply again. The scholarship supports a range of nursing education pathways, including continuing professional education for practicing nurses. Eligibility is assessed by the fund administrators according to the stated local and field-specific criteria.
Eligibility: Must reside or be employed in Gratiot County.
Must pursue education in the field of nursing.
Prior recipients may apply.
- Residency or employment in Gratiot County is required.
- Must be engaged in nursing education or continuing education.
- Previous awardees are permitted to reapply.
Application Support
Assistance is available for applicants who need help completing the scholarship application or confirming eligibility. The foundation provides support to make the process accessible and streamlined for all students. Applicants are encouraged to reach out with any questions or to request guidance during the application process. Support staff can answer procedural questions and help with platform-related issues.
Contact: For assistance, contact Ashtyn Bush, Senior Program Officer, at 989-875-4222 or [email protected].
- Personalized help is available for application questions.
- Phone and email contact provided for direct support.
- Foundation staff can assist with platform and document submission issues.
AwardSpring Guide
The AwardSpring Guide provides step-by-step instructions for applying to scholarships through the AwardSpring platform. It explains account setup, application navigation, and how to submit required documents. Applicants should consult the guide before beginning the application to ensure all materials are prepared. Following the guide can reduce errors and improve the completeness of submissions.
Guide: This guide walks you through the process of applying for scholarships using the AwardSpring platform.
- Explains account creation and application steps.
- Describes how to upload and track documents.
- Helps prevent common submission errors.
Needed Documentation
Applicants must submit documentation that verifies academic standing and any additional materials required by specific scholarships. A complete application typically includes transcripts and may require letters of recommendation, essays, or separate documents for particular funds. Applicants should review the specific document requirements for each scholarship they pursue and prepare materials in advance. Downloadable forms and instructions are available from the foundation where noted.
To complete the application, every applicant will need to provide...
- Cumulative high school or college transcript reflecting a cumulative GPA.
What to expect with scholarships that require additional documents...
- At least one letter of recommendation is required for several scholarships (examples include the Eagle Scout Scholarship, Anna Frutiger Memorial Scholarship, Loren Humm Memorial Sugar Beet Grower's Scholarship, Robert W. MacDonald Memorial Scholarship, and others). Recommendation requests can be managed through the online application platform.
- Additional essays are required for certain scholarships (examples include the Farming Family Scholarship, Anna Frutiger Memorial Scholarship, Gratiot VFW Post 7805 Scholarship, Robert W. MacDonald Memorial Scholarship, and others).
- Some scholarships require separate downloadable documents (examples include the Eagle Scout Scholarship, Gratiot VFW Post 7805 Scholarship, and Robert W. MacDonald Memorial Scholarship).
- Prepare transcripts and any scholarship-specific documents before applying.
- Letters of recommendation and essays may be required depending on the scholarship.
- Check individual scholarship instructions for downloadable or unique document requirements.