Each year, students across our region take a major step toward their future by applying for scholarships. For some, that support makes higher education possible. For others, it reduces financial stress and opens doors to new opportunities. At Bridge Builders Community Foundations (BBCF), local scholarships are one of the most direct and meaningful ways we help strengthen our community for the long term.
Today, BBCF helps manage more than 70 individual local scholarship funds, each established by donors who believed in education, opportunity, and investing in local students. While every scholarship is unique, they all share a common purpose: helping students move forward with confidence and support.
A Local Scholarship Program Built for Access and Opportunity
Scholarships at BBCF are intentionally diverse. Some support students pursuing traditional four year college degrees, while others focus on trade schools, technical programs, or specialized training. Certain scholarships are designated for specific schools, communities, fields of study, or life experiences. Others are broader in scope, allowing students from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.
This variety reflects the values of the donors who created these funds. Our role is to honor those intentions while ensuring the process is clear, fair, and accessible for students and families.
For students, this means there is rarely just one opportunity to pursue. Many applicants qualify for multiple scholarships and may not even realize it at first.
One Application, Many Opportunities
One of the most impactful aspects of BBCF’s scholarship program is its centralized application process.
By creating a single account through BBCF’s online scholarship portal, students can apply for all available scholarships using one application. Rather than navigating dozens of separate deadlines, forms, and requirements, applicants complete a streamlined process designed to reduce confusion and stress.
Once an account is created, the system matches students to scholarships for which they may be eligible based on their responses. This approach saves time, improves access, and ensures students are not missing opportunities simply because the process felt overwhelming.
You can create your scholarship account and begin exploring available opportunities here.
Stewardship at Every Step
Behind the scenes, managing scholarships requires careful stewardship. BBCF oversees the process from start to finish to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Our team ensures that:
- Each scholarship follows the criteria established by its donor
- Applications are reviewed consistently and responsibly
- Selection processes respect donor intent
- Communication with students is clear and timely
This stewardship protects both sides of the scholarship experience. Donors can trust that their funds are being managed exactly as intended. Students can trust that their applications are reviewed thoughtfully and respectfully.
Support for Students, Families, and Schools
Scholarship season often involves more than just students. Families, guidance counselors, and educators play a vital role in helping applicants navigate the process.
BBCF serves as a local resource throughout the application window. When questions arise, students and families are not left guessing. They can reach out to a real person who understands the community and wants to help.
This support is especially important for first generation students or those unfamiliar with scholarship applications. Our goal is not to make the process harder. It is to remove barriers wherever possible.
Real Impact in the Community
Scholarships are not just financial awards. They represent long term investment in the people who will shape our region’s future.
Each year, BBCF celebrates scholarship recipients whose stories reflect resilience, ambition, and community connection. These students go on to pursue careers, return to their hometowns, support local businesses, and contribute to the places that supported them.
Every scholarship fund tells a story of generosity, intention, and belief in the future. For donors, scholarship funds become a living legacy. For students, they become a reminder that their community believes in them.
At BBCF, we are proud to serve as the bridge between those who want to make a difference and the students whose futures are shaped by that support. Scholarship season is where that bridge comes to life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are a student or family member, scholarship applications for the 2026 cycle open January 19 and close March 6. We encourage you to explore the opportunities available and begin the application process early.
Create your account here to get started!
To help you prepare, BBCF has also created a Scholarship Application Guide that walks through the process step by step. Download the Scholarship Application Guide (PDF)
