Charles Martin “Touch a Life” Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Community Foundation of St. Joseph County

Program Overview

The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County (CFSJC) administers more than 80 scholarship funds and awards close to a million dollars to local students each year. These scholarships support students pursuing postsecondary education through financial awards and internship programs. Most opportunities are accessed through a single CFSJC Scholarship Application that matches applicants to all scholarships for which they qualify. For the majority of scholarships, applicants must be residents of St. Joseph County.

Description: The CFSJC Scholarship Application simplifies access to multiple scholarship funds for high school seniors and undergraduate students. The Foundation also coordinates internship-linked awards that combine paid work experience with tuition assistance.

• More than 80 scholarship funds administered by the Foundation
• Nearly $1 million awarded annually to local students
• Single application matches students to multiple scholarships
• Most scholarships require St. Joseph County residency

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria vary by individual scholarship, with factors such as high school, GPA, intended major, and college choice considered for award selection. Many scholarships are aimed at graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who plan to enroll full time at accredited institutions. Specific scholarships may have additional demographic or programmatic requirements.

Eligibility: For the Charles Martin Touch a Life Scholarship, applicants must be Black/African American residents of St. Joseph County who graduate from an accredited St. Joseph County high school and intend to pursue an associate or baccalaureate degree full time. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, complete the FAFSA, submit the Student Aid Index (SAI) by the scholarship deadline, and must not be eligible to receive a full-tuition benefit from their chosen school.

• Requirements differ by scholarship; review criteria carefully
• Charles Martin scholarship has race, residency, and GPA requirements
• FAFSA completion and SAI submission are required where noted
• Applicants must plan to enroll full time at an accredited institution

Award Details

Scholarship awards range in structure and amount depending on the fund. Some combine tuition assistance with paid internships to provide both financial support and work experience. Awards may be renewable for multiple years when recipients continue to meet eligibility and academic standards.

Award Value: The Charles Martin Touch a Life Scholarship offers up to $10,750 annually, comprised of a $3,750 internship stipend and up to $7,000 in tuition assistance. Recipients must complete a 250-hour paid internship each summer to qualify for the stipend and tuition support, and the scholarship is renewable for up to four years.

• Charles Martin award: up to $10,750 per year (stipend + tuition)
• $3,750 internship stipend plus up to $7,000 tuition assistance
• 250-hour paid summer internship required each year
• Renewable up to four years subject to continued eligibility

Application Process and Timeline

The CFSJC Scholarship Application opens annually in December and is typically due in February. Completing the single online application provides access to 20+ scholarship opportunities and matches applicants to all scholarships for which they qualify. Some scholarship opportunities are administered outside the main application and must be reviewed separately.

Application Timeline: Complete the online CFSJC Scholarship Application when it opens in December and submit by the February deadline. Ensure FAFSA is completed and the Student Aid Index (SAI) is submitted by the scholarship deadline. For questions, contact the scholarships staff by email or call (574) 232-0041; additional non‑application opportunities are listed online.

• CFSJC application opens in December and is due in February
• One application can match you to multiple scholarships
• FAFSA and SAI must be submitted by the scholarship deadline
• Contact scholarships staff or call (574) 232-0041 for assistance