The Holland/Zeeland Promise, an academic scholarship for students with high financial need, proven academic success, and motivation to achieve the goal of a college or technical degree, recently welcomed 15 hardworking local students to its 2024 cohort.
The Promise is a program of CFHZ and is funded by generous community partners. It was established in 2010 by a group of business and community leaders with a goal to allow our community’s promising young people the opportunity to realize their dreams through education. Vital to the Promise’s success is its side-by-side approach, which offers academic support along with resources for students’ mental and emotional well-being.
Meet the 2024 Promise Scholars!
Jaquelin Barajas
High School: West Ottawa High School
Attending: Michigan State University
“The Promise will enable me to continue working towards my goal career in public policy. This scholarship is not only financial assistance but also a life-changing opportunity for my immigrant parents and me.”
Holly Byrd
High School: Holland High School
Attending: University of Michigan
“I am beyond honored to be chosen for the Promise Scholarship. Through this scholarship, I have the opportunity to earn a degree in environmental engineering and make a difference in my community. I am forever thankful for the donors, for CFHZ, and all of the people who helped me along the way.”
April Fuentes
High School: West Ottawa High School
Attending: Wayne State University
“I am grateful to have received the Promise scholarship. Not only am I able to pursue my dream of going to college, but I will also be able to help others just like my community helped me.”
Steffie Mattias
High School: West Ottawa High School
Attending: Hope College
“With this scholarship, I will pursue my dream of becoming a social worker. The Promise is going to help me get through college debt free and with no financial burden. It is an honor for my hard work and dedication to be recognized this way.”
Liam Pierson
High School: Zeeland East High School
Attending: Michigan State University
“I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for this life-changing opportunity. Thank you to the Promise Scholarship and to everyone who has helped me on this journey!”
Troy Postema
High School: Zeeland West High School
Attending: Grand Valley State University
“Receiving this scholarship has inspired me to work even harder, strive for excellence, and pursue my goal of making a positive impact on my community by becoming a police officer. I am committed to making the most of this incredible opportunity.”
Airiell Paz-Rodriguez
High School: West Ottawa High School
Attending: Michigan State University
“I’m incredibly grateful to have received this scholarship. I will now be able to pursue a degree in engineering to become a change agent in my community.”
Ricardo Rodriguez
High School: West Ottawa High School
Attending: Michigan State University
Emily Cruz-Rojano
High School: West Ottawa High School
Attending: Calvin College
“Thank you to all who have supported and believed in me. I’ll always be beyond grateful. God never left my side, Jeremiah 29:11.”
Jaquelin Romero
High School: Holland High School
Attending: Central Michigan University
“This scholarship has opened so many doors for me, and I give thanks to God for such an amazing gift.”
Manuel Contreras Soto
High School: West Ottawa High School
Attending: Michigan State University
Sophia Streur
High School: West Ottawa High School
Attending: Hope College
“I am beyond excited to use this once-in-a-lifetime scholarship to focus solely on my studies without the financial burden. I am thankful to CFHZ and the donors who granted me this jump start to success.”
Josephine Suarez
High School: Holland High School
Attending: Western Michigan University
“This scholarship has made my distant dreams become more than just hopeful thoughts. I am so grateful for this opportunity and plan to pay it forward by helping my communities.”
Thy Tran
High School: Holland High School
Attending: University of Michigan
“I owe my gratitude and thanks to CFHZ and the generous donors of the Promise. I never imagined I would have an opportunity to attend college without financial burdens and I feel honored to be a recipient of this scholarship.”
Cristal Felix-Trejo
High School: Holland High School
Attending: University of Michigan