Scholarships

The Bernard F. Gaffney Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 to honor the memory of Mr. Gaffney, who was the principal of Houghton High School from 1937 to 1961 and the Superintendent of Houghton-Portage Township Schools from 1961 to 1966. The late Mr. Ted Gaffney, along with a group of alumni from the Class of 1947, was instrumental in establishing and promoting the scholarship fund.

The purpose of the fund is to help students or graduates of Houghton High School who demonstrate character, need, and determination to achieve their educational or training goals.

The Copper Country Kiwanis Scholarship is awarded to students who share the mission of Kiwanis - dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Graduating seniors from Houghton High School are eligible to apply.

The Esther Arnovits Weil Scholarship is available to high school graduates from schools in Houghton County or Keweenaw County who are pursuing a degree at an accredited college, university, or trade school.

Faith Lutheran Church in Calumet has scholarships available to recipients based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, community involvement, and financial need. Preference shall be given to applicants who are members of Faith Lutheran Church in Calumet and who are entering the seminary.

Applicants going into other fields and from other Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) churches will be considered.

Status: Application will be available at Faith Lutheran Church in Calumet in the Spring.

The Gary Heikenen Memorial Scholarship was created to grant scholarships to individuals who reside in Keweenaw County in order to further their education.

This scholarship is not limited to graduating high school seniors but to any individual in Keweenaw County who wishes to pursue additional education or training.

The Houghton Rotary Club has established a scholarship to provide post-secondary financial support and encouragement for students who graduate from Houghton High School. These scholarships are directed to individuals who possess and have demonstrated the aptitude, motivation and resolve necessary to successfully continue education or training beyond high school.

The selection process focuses on applicants’ reasons for pursuing further education and their understanding of and commitment to community service.

The Jack Eberhard Memorial Scholarship (previously known as the Portage Lake Gappy League Scholarship) is open to seniors at Hancock, Houghton, Calumet, Baraga, or L’Anse schools who have participated in high school golf and who plan to continue his/her education at an institution of higher learning (not necessarily a golf program).

The Mildred “Millie” Pyorala Scholarship was establishedto honor the legacy of Mildred Pyorala, a beloved educator and community advocate. This endowed scholarship fund will provide annual awards to graduating seniors from Chassell High School, with a preference for students pursuing degrees in education. Millie devoted over 30 years to teaching at Chassell High School, inspiring countless students with her dedication and passion for learning. Her decision to establish this fund reflects her unwavering commitment to education and community. This scholarship awards $2,000 annually.

The Richard and Clara Fedewa Scholarship is available to female high school graduating seniors who are members of the St. Ignatius Catholic Church parish seeking to further their education at a college or trade school. Awards are based on academic achievement, need, and parish/community involvement.

The Ronald and Lou Ellyn Helman Scholarship’s primary purpose is to encourage skilled, motivated students to enter a post-secondary school offering fields of study such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, secretarial, automotive services, etc. and to further their education in order to become a skilled worker who is a self-sufficient, reliable, and contributing member of society.

Students must have taken at least one CTE course during high school.

The Sean M. Williams Memorial Scholarship awards a scholarship to a Keweenaw Bay Indian Community member or descendent of a member to pursue a degree in Liberal Studies or Anishinaabe Studies at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College.

The Stuart Family Scholarship was established in 2020 to provide scholarships to outstanding graduates of Houghton-Portage High School who have distinguished themselves both academically and in self-directed learning or skill development outside the classroom, in community service activities, in team or individual sports, in musical performance, or as effective leaders in youth organizations or activities.