Gruit Memorial International Student College Scholarship Fund

The Gruit Memorial International Student College Scholarship was created in 2025 in memory of Wilfred Gruit and his daughter, Joan Gruit (Hitchcock), who were both passionate about adventure, experiencing the world through travel, and education. Up to 3 scholarships are awarded with a combined total not to exceed $18,000/year and not to exceed $9,000 per scholarship. The scholarship recipient(s) will be chosen based on their academic achievement at the junior college level (e.g. overcoming language barriers to attend school in the US by learning English or passing English proficiency exam required to attend college, overcoming academic challenges, honors or awards). Minimum 3.0 GPA is required. Financial need will be considered; description of financial need should be included in essay. The applicant must be a citizen of a country in Europe or South America, studying at MPC or CSUMB as an international/F1 visa student; and have a language other than English as a primary language. Applicants must submit a 250-500 word essay describing why they are studying in the US and what their educational goals/dreams are. To claim the award funds, the winning student must continue enrollment at MPC or plans to transfer to a CSU school, enroll as a full-time student by Fall semester after receiving the award, and send the Claim Form provided by CFMC along with official proof of enrollment to the Community Foundation. Deadline: March 16, 2026. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation for Monterey County for more information.