Scholarship

Are you a hard-working student with experience overcoming challenges to achieve your goals? The Michael Wassmer Foundation is proud to award multiple $30,000 need-based scholarships annually to outstanding students in the Richmond area.

Recipients of The Michael Wassmer Foundation Scholarships will each receive a total of $30,000 paid directly to their school, in four annual installments. If you see yourself in Mike’s story and meet the eligibility criteria below, please  apply to be a Wassmer Scholar!

February 1st, 2024 — Applications open
April 1st, 2024 — Applications are due
April 30th, 2024 — Recipients are notified

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Michael Wassmer Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must:

  • Reside in the City of Richmond or any of the following counties: Chesterfield, Hanover or Henrico
  • Be graduating from high school in spring of 2024
  • Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.5
  • Have submitted the FAFSA or VASA for the upcoming school year and have a Student Aid Index of  25,000 or less (see FAQs for more info on the 2024/2025 FAFSA delays and process)
  • Intend to enroll full time in an accredited four-year U.S. college beginning in fall of 2024

Application

The online Michael Wassmer Foundation Scholarship application asks that you provide:

  • High school transcript
  • Financial information
  • Recommendation
  • Employment, community service, extracurricular activities, awards and honors
  • Short essays
  • Video submission

Frequently asked questions 

Scholarship Eligibility

Am I eligible to apply?
Please see the Eligibility section for a complete list of eligibility requirements
What financial information is required on the application?

Applicants must have a Student Aid Index of 25,000 or less.  Applicants are required to submit their complete FAFSA Submission Summary (all pages) or VASA Aid Report (VAR), but this may be emailed to the Foundation after submitting the rest of the application (due to FAFSA delays for 2024/2025).  To receive an Estimated Student Aid Index, applicants should use the Federal Student Aid Estimator.  The Estimated Student Aid Index can be entered in the Student Aid Index application field if the FAFSA Submission Summary has not yet been received.

 Students may also include an optional statement of financial need.  Finalists will be asked to submit their financial aid award letters.

Application Process

What does the application process involve?
Please see the Application section for details.
What do I do if I don't have my Student Aid Index and/or FAFSA Submission Summary due to FAFSA issues?

Due to the issues with the 2024/2025 FAFSA, you can submit the application without uploading the FAFSA Submission Summary. The FAFSA Submission Summary will need to be emailed to us once you receive it

For the Student Aid Index field, use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to determine your Estimated Student Aid Index (this can be found in the second section of the “Estimates” page you see when you complete the Federal Student Aid Estimator).

Are there any costs or fees associated with applying for the scholarship?

There are no costs or fees to apply for this scholarship.

What is the recommendation process?

We require one recommendation from an adult over the age of 21 who is not related to you. You should choose an individual who is familiar with your character, your work ethic, and your goals. Examples include a coach, teacher, religious leader, or employer.

Please ask your recommender to send their letter directly to  admin@wassmerfoundation.org by April 1st, 2024. Recommendations sent by the applicant will not be accepted.

 

What is the application deadline? When should I apply?

The application opens on February 1st, 2024 and applications are due on April 1st, 2024 (NOTE: THIS IS A CHANGE DUE TO THE DELAYED 2024 FAFSA PROCESS)

How do I know if my application is complete?

You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your recommendation, letting you know that your application is complete.

Who do I contact with questions regarding the scholarship application process?

You can email us at info@wassmerfoundation.org.

How do I calculate my unweighted GPA?

If your high school transcript does not include your unweighted GPA, you can calculate it as follows:

  • Convert each letter grade to the standard 4.0 scale with plusses and minuses: (A+ = 4.0, A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, etc.)
  • Multiply the grade points by the number of credit hours for each class (e.g., 1 credit for a full year class and .5 credits for a semester class).  Be sure to use .5 for your senior year classes, since you have only completed one semester.
  • Add all of the grade points together and divide the sum by the total number of credits to calculate your unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale.

 

 

Selection Process

What are the selection criteria?

Applicants will be selected based upon their academic achievement, financial need, and on how closely they reflect Mike’s core values of determination, compassion, resilience and integrity.

How many scholarships will be granted?

The foundation will award up to 5 scholarships annually.

Scholarship details

If I am awarded a scholarship, how much will I receive?

Recipients will receive $7,500 annually for up to 4 years for a maximum award of $30,000, assuming they maintain a college GPA of 2.5 and are enrolled full-time. All funds will be paid directly to the university.

What can my scholarship be used for?

The scholarship can be used for qualified cost of attendance expenses. 

Would I be allowed to receive other grants or scholarships and still qualify for the scholarship program?

Yes, you can receive other grants or scholarships and still qualify.

If I am awarded a scholarship, what are my responsibilities? What would be expected of me?

You will need to maintain a 2.5 GPA, be enrolled full-time and send the required report, including a transcript, to the Foundation after each academic year.

Scholarship notification & distribution

When and how will I be notified if I received a scholarship?

Decisions will be made by April 30th. Notifications will be made via email.

How will I receive my scholarship?

Scholarship funds will be distributed directly to the college or university.

Are you a hard-working student with experience overcoming challenges to achieve your goals? The Michael Wassmer Foundation is proud to award multiple $30,000 need-based scholarships annually to outstanding students in the Richmond area.