Bob Block Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Overview

The Bob Block Memorial Scholarship supports students from Kalamazoo County who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to competitive swimming or diving. The award is administered through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) and is part of the foundation’s broader General Scholarship program for 2026. KZCF provides a centralized application that matches applicants to more than 60 scholarships and grants. Prospective applicants should review eligibility and application requirements carefully to ensure they are considered for this and other awards.

• Specifically intended for Kalamazoo County students involved in competitive swimming or diving.
• Administered as part of KZCF’s 2026 General Scholarship application process.
• One online application can match applicants to multiple scholarships.

Program Details

Kalamazoo Community Foundation supports students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or career training by offering a range of scholarships and grants. The foundation emphasizes equitable access to education and streamlines the application process through a single online portal. Applicants who complete the general application are matched to scholarships for which they meet criteria. The foundation encourages applicants to begin the process early and use a computer or tablet for the best experience.

Description: KZCF offers over 60 scholarships and grants and facilitates a single application that connects students with eligible awards. The General Scholarship application is designed to collect core information once and apply it across multiple funds.

• KZCF’s General Scholarship aggregates many awards into one application.
• Supports a wide range of educational paths including college and career training.
• Application usability is prioritized to reduce barriers for applicants.

Eligibility

Eligibility varies by individual scholarship; the Bob Block Memorial Scholarship specifically targets Kalamazoo County students with a commitment to competitive swimming or diving. The General Scholarship supports students at different education levels, but some awards impose additional geographic or program restrictions. Applicants should verify specific fund criteria in their Kaleidoscope dashboard after submitting the general application. Institutions must be located within the United States to receive awards through KZCF.

Eligibility: Varies by scholarship; for the Bob Block award, applicants must be from Kalamazoo County and demonstrate commitment to competitive swimming or diving.

• Bob Block award: Kalamazoo County residents with competitive swimming/diving commitment.
• General Scholarship: open to undergraduate, graduate, and career training students as specified by individual funds.
• Awards cannot be granted to institutions outside the United States.

Application Process

Applicants complete one online General Scholarship application that will match them to eligible awards, including the Bob Block Memorial Scholarship when criteria are met. Before starting, applicants should complete the FAFSA to obtain their Student Aid Index (SAI), which the application requires. The application collects basic personal, education, and community involvement information plus three short self-reflection responses. For the best experience, use a desktop, laptop, or tablet and remember you can save and exit to return later; final submission is required to be considered.

Application Requirements: The General Scholarship application asks for basic information, three written responses (50–300 words each), and the Student Aid Index from the FAFSA.

• Complete the FAFSA first to obtain your SAI before applying.
• Provide basic personal, educational, and community involvement details.
• Prepare three written responses of 50–300 words each.
• Use a desktop, laptop, or tablet and save progress as needed before final submission.

Additional Materials and Notes

Some scholarships require extra documentation beyond the General Scholarship application. After submitting the general application, check your Kaleidoscope dashboard to confirm additional requirements for any scholarships to which you are matched. Additional materials may include letters of recommendation, supplemental written responses, financial documentation of education costs, or uploads of academic or creative work. Follow the dashboard instructions carefully to ensure your application is complete for each specific fund.

Additional Materials: Required items vary by scholarship and may include recommendations, financial documents, or work samples; confirm requirements in your Kaleidoscope dashboard.

• Check the Kaleidoscope dashboard after submission for any supplemental requirements.
• Possible additional items: letters of recommendation, financial cost documentation, or academic/creative uploads.
• Ensure all required materials are submitted to remain eligible for specific scholarships.