Bishop’s Scholarship applications open for 2021-22

The Office of Catholic Schools logo.

Applications are now open for Bishop’s Scholarships for the 2021-22 school year. Every year, the Diocese of Grand Rapids awards more than $500,000 through this need-based scholarship program. These scholarships help more than 1,000 Catholic school students annually.

New and returning families who are registered parishioners in the diocese are eligible to apply for Bishop’s Scholarships. They can do so by filling out an application with Smart Aid, the secure third-party service used by the diocese to collect family information and determine an unbiased calculation of financial need. Families need to show their income and expenses by providing financial documentation such as tax returns, W2s, and paystubs.

Scholarships are then awarded over the course of several rounds, until funds are no longer available. The application deadline for the first round is December 1, 2020. If families miss this deadline, they may apply in later rounds. The application is available here.

Smart Aid Application

The Smart Aid application is also used by several Catholic schools in the diocese to award their own scholarships and grants to families. Some of these schools require the application to be submitted by the first round deadline of December 1.

For help with your application

If you have questions about applying for Bishop’s Scholarships or scholarships at the school level, you can contact your Catholic school. Find school contact information here.

You can also contact Luzia Tartari, admissions enrollment field consultant for the Office of Catholic Schools, at ltartari@grcatholicschools.org or 616-551-4743.

Additionally, the Office of Catholic Schools is offering virtual workshops to assist families in understanding the application process and completing the online application. The next workshop is scheduled for November 23 at 6 p.m. Register here to receive the workshop access information as the session approaches.

Smart Aid Workshop Registration

You may also click here for instructions to access the workshop.

Workshop Access Instructions

Appointments are available for individual assistance with the Smart Aid application, as well. Appointments can take place online, over the phone, or in person at Cathedral Square Center. To set up an appointment, contact a member of our admissions team:

The Diocese of Grand Rapids, parishes, and Catholic schools are proud to partner with families in the ministry of Catholic education. Our scholarship programs help families provide this incredible gift to their children.

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Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities (26 elementary and five high schools) serving more than 6,000 preschool through 12th grade students throughout West Michigan. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. We partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential.