Thanks to our donors, the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation is able to offer several professional development scholarships to our teachers and staff. The opportunities are:

William and Shirley VandenBerg Scholarship:
The William and Shirley VandenBerg Scholarship was established in 1996 by the VandenBerg family to honor the work and philosophy of Dr. William VandenBerg and Mrs. Shirley VandenBerg in encouraging continued education and renewal for our teachers.

Dr. VandenBerg was a lifelong resident of East Grand Rapids and graduated in the class of 1939. After completing his education, he returned to the community to raise his family and practice medicine. He was on the Board of Education for six years, serving as Board President for three of them. Mrs. VandenBerg was a devoted mother and committed to volunteering in her community and schools. She committed her time and energy to her family first as well as the Blodgett Hospital Auxiliary, the Junior League of Grand Rapids, and the West Michigan Environmental Action Committee.

This scholarship is given annually to one or more staff teachers in the district to attend a class, seminar, workshop, or unique learning opportunity that will directly enhance the quality of teaching in that person's academic area.

Dr. Sara Magaña Shubel Lifelong Learning Scholarship:
This scholarship honors the work and philosophy of former East Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sara Shubel, who served from 2005 to 2018. The scholarship is awarded annually to one or more EGRPS teachers, administrators, and/or staff members to participate in a class, seminar, workshop, or other learning opportunity that promotes Dr. Shubel's vision of lifelong learning.

Superintendent's Mini-Grants:
Each year the Foundation designates a sum of $2,000 to be awarded in the amount of $100-$500 to teachers and other district employees for the purpose of paying tuition and fees for course work that enhances the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom. The Superintendent will evaluate and approve all requests.

Teachers, administrators, and staff who are interested in applying for one or more of these scholarships should complete the application that follows and submit it on or before May 1. The Foundation will then determine which scholarship or scholarships best fit the request. If your request is time sensitive and needs to be addressed before May 1, please contact Amy Turner-Thole, aturner@egrps.org. Recipients of the VandenBerg and Shubel Scholarships will be recognized at the EGRPS Opening Staff Meeting in August during the Foundation's award ceremony.

IMPORTANT: You must be a current staff member of the district at the time of the professional development or learning experience you have been awarded. Those not employed with the district or in transition to a new position outside of the district will need to cancel the experience or be financially responsible for the cost.