English Department Scholarships

Award amount varies: up to $800 for resident/$900 for non-resident. The English Department scholarship is funded by contributions made by the English Department faculty and staff. It is open to all students. For more information contact Nora Neill (nneill@grcc.edu) with the word "Scholarship" in your subject line.

English Department Scholarship criteria:

1. Proficiency in English courses
2. Involvement in extra-curricular activities
3. Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a
4. 3.3 GPA in English/Language Arts courses
5. Submission of a writing sample

Application Requirements for the English Department Scholarship:

1. Instructor recommendation
2. A copy of your transcript showing a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and 3.3 GPA in English/Language Arts courses
3. A one-two page cover letter summarizing your eligibility for this scholarship, including your interest in English/Language Arts and your involvement in extra-curricular activities.
4. Submission of a writing sample

Award amount varies: up to $1,000. Elva VanHaitsma taught at GRCC in the English Department for 30 years. She inspired her students through her love of poetry and literature. For more information contact Nora Neill (nneill@grcc.edu) with the word "Scholarship" in your subject line.

Elva VanHaitsma Scholarship criteria:

1. Submission of an original poem, short story, literary critique or research paper on a literary topic
2. Demonstrated academic ability and commitment to completing a BA in English

Application Requirements for the Elva VanHaitsma Scholarship:

1. Instructor recommendation
2. A copy of your transcript showing your current GPA
3. A one-two page cover letter summarizing your eligibility for this scholarship, including your commitment to completing a BA in English.
4. Submission of an original poem, short story, literary critique or research paper on a literary topic

Award amount varies: up to $800 for resident/$900 for non-resident. Creative writing scholarships may be awarded to full-time and part-time students. Partial awards may be made to part-time students. For more information on the Creative Writing Scholarship, contact Prof. Maryann Lesert (mlesert@grcc.edu) with the word "Scholarship" in your subject line.

Creative Writing Scholarship criteria:

1. Quality of writing 
2. Demonstrated interest in the field of creative writing
3. Grade point average will not be a determining factor in the selection process.

Application Requirements for the Creative Writing Scholarship

1. Instructor recommendation
2. a copy of your transcript showing current course completion
3. Submit a 1-2 page cover letter on your writing history, interests, and goals.
4. Submit a writing sample of up to 10 pages (single-space poems one per page, double-space fiction and creative nonfiction; use standard left-aligned spacing for playscripts or screenplays).

Award amount: one $2,000 award per year. The Barb LaBelle and Helen Beuker Scholarship for Women's Studies (Gender Studies) and Literature honors two English Department colleagues and friends for their passion for literature, their commitment to theatre, and the advancement of women in education. For more information on the Barb and Helen Scholarship, contact Nora Neill (nneill@grcc.edu) with the word "Scholarship" in your subject line.

Barb and Helen Scholarship Criteria:

1. Demonstrated interest in 1 or more areas:
   • Course work in Women’s/Gender Studies
   • Course work in Literature and/or Drama as Literature classes
   • Theater involvement
   • Writing or publication
   • Newspaper involvement
   • Involvement in women’s organizations
2. Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
3. Eligible after earning 12 semester credits

Application Requirements for the Barb and Helen Scholarship

1. Instructor recommendation
2. A copy of your transcript showing your current GPA
3. An Essay of 500-1000 words describing your eligibility for this scholarship, including your educational pursuits and involvement in one of more of the required areas

Award amount: up to $1,400. Those interested in applying for the Sigal Scholarship are advised to contact Prof. Maryann Lesert (mlesert@grcc.edu) to learn more about the scholarship and to discuss examples of successful applications. Include the word "Scholarship" in the subject line of your email.

Sigal Peace and Justice Scholarship Criteria:

1. Demonstrated leadership or volunteerism in areas of the environment, housing, feeding and caring for the poor and the elderly, racism, multi-culturalism, inter-faith dialogue, international understanding, or other worthy peace and justice causes
2. Minimum GPA of 2.5

Application Requirements for the Sigal Scholarship

1. Instructor recommendation
2. A copy of your transcript showing current GPA of 2.5 or higher
3. An Essay of 500-1,000 words detailing your efforts on behalf of peace or justice causes (nature of the work, time spent doing the work, your commitment to any particular causes)
4. 1-3 letter(s) of support from supervisors or others impacted by this work

Award Amount: up to $4,000. The BHMS Why We Can’t Wait Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 by English Department Professor Mursalata Muhammad and her husband, Will Smith, a Kent County Deputy Sheriff. The BHMS Scholarship seeks to positively impact public service by supporting students enrolled in the GRCC Police Academy and the following public service programs: Criminal Justice, Education, and Healthcare.

BHMS Scholarship Criteria:

1. Enrollment in one of the following programs:
   • GRCC Police Academy
   • Criminal Justice
   • Education
   • Healthcare
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
3. Students must have earned 12.0 credits at GRCC to apply. 

Application Requirements for the BHMS Scholarship:

1. A Short Response (100 words)
2. A Personal Statement (500 words)
3. A Reference Letter 

Additional BHMS Application Information:

Watch the BHMS Award Video for more information.