The 2024 Scholarship award is $2500.

Deadline to apply: March 15, 2024.

Application, transcript, and one recommendation must be emailed to the Scholarship Committee (alliancefrancaisescholarship@gmail.com). Click here for the application form and recommendation form. The recipient is notified within a month of the deadline.

Eligibility: you must be at least a sophomore at the time of application, have declared a French major or minor and be enrolled at one of the eligible Grand Rapids area colleges or universities (Aquinas College, Calvin University, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Grand Valley State University).

Questions: please contact Leslie Mathews.

Scholarship history:

Did you know that since 2003 the Alliance Française of GR has awarded more than $25,000 to deserving students attending Grand Rapids area colleges and universities? The scholarship is awarded each year in April to a rising junior or senior student who has shown interest and proficiency in French language and Francophone culture. Students typically apply the funds to an upcoming study abroad opportunity or their tuition payments.

Reading these applications is a pleasure for the committee. We see amazing talent, diligence, creativity and commitment, as well as diverse paths that have led to French studies: students who were motivated by an exchange student or program, those whose high school French teachers inspired them, some who began their French studies at the university level and quickly developed a passion for language study, and students who have lived or traveled in Francophone countries. Many have overcome or are rising to meet special challenges in their personal or academic lives. Their aspirations run the gamut: from doing international development work, teaching French at the high school or university level, becoming a translator (some of French literature), pursuing a master’s degree in linguistics to teach ESL, enhancing their majors in art or dance with the cultural background afforded by their studies to joining the Peace Corp or preparing for the diplomatic corps.

A highlight for the Alliance Française de GR is meeting the scholarship recipient at our Fall Reception. The recipient makes a brief presentation, in both French and English, recounting their background, their studies and future plans, and takes the opportunity to express their thanks for the scholarship. Members always enjoy the occasion to speak with them.

-Leslie Mathews, AFdeGR Scholarship Founder and Committee Chair

Contributions to the scholarship fund can be made by sending a check to our treasurer Sue Murphy.

Past Scholarship Recipients:

2023 : Brooke Adelman.

2022 : Kendy DeHaan.

2021 : Christina Romano.

2020 : Darby Frederiksen.

2018 : Lucas Isenga.

2017 : Hollin Hayward.

2016: Amber Sackett.

2015: Anna Selles

2014: Kelly Harris; Esther Schuurman was awarded the Gary Morrison Memorial Scholarship.

2013: Jennifer Parks