BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Berrien Community Foundation announced scholarship applications are now open for high school seniors, adults returning to the classroom, and students pursuing careers in the trades.

BCF's scholarship applications are now available online for the 2025-2026 academic year and applications are due Feb. 1, 2025.

“Many of our applicants are juggling jobs, extra-curricular activities or family responsibilities,” said Berrien Community Foundation President Lisa Cripps-Downey. “By offering one common application online, our goal is to help as many students as possible by offsetting their higher education costs. We want to set students up for success by having less student loan debt.”

BCF currently offers over 50 scholarships.

BCF officials say new to their scholarship offerings this year is the Brian Swiger Memorial Scholarship. 

The new addition was started in 1996 by Twin City Players in memory of former TCP member Brian Swiger.

Officials say the scholarship, worth up to $1,500, is earmarked for seniors graduating from Berrien County high schools who have demonstrated a strong interest in theater-related activities during their academic careers.

BCF officials add that recipients can use the award money to pursue any field of study at any accredited college, university, trade school, or arts education institution.

You can find a full list of scholarships and apply on the BCF website.