STURGIS – Seventy-seven students around Southwest Michigan have received financial assistance for the 2021-2022 school year.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation has announced the winners of educational scholarships to the students, who represent high schools in St. Joseph and Branch Counties. The Foundation will award $161,500 in scholarships for the upcoming school year.

Sturgis Area Community Foundation Executive Director Lindsay Richardson says this year,s class of scholarship recipients represent a mix of aspiring two year, four year and trade school students with a diverse set of goals for the future. Richardson says these awards are made possible by the generosity of individuals and families who established scholarship funds, creating a permanent source of support to local students.

Community Foundation scholarships are offered annually based on a wide variety of criteria, including but not limited to: a student's field of study; extracurricular participation; academic merit, and work history. Graduating high school seniors and current college students from high schools throughout St. Joseph County and from Bronson High School are eligible to apply each year, beginning in January.

To see the list of award winners for this year you can go online to sturgis foundation dot org slash scholarship awards.