The William O. VandenBerg, M.D. Scholarship was established in 1996 by the VandenBerg family upon
the death of Dr. VandenBerg. This scholarship honors the work and philosophy of Dr. VandenBerg in
encouraging continued education and renewal for our educators.
Dr. VandenBerg was a life-long resident of East Grand Rapids. He attended East public schools through
his high school years and returned to East Grand Rapids to raise his family and practice medicine. He
was on the School Board of Education for six years and served as Board President for three years. The
William O. VandenBerg M.D. Scholarship is a fitting memorial to a man so committed to his family, his
community and his work.
About the Scholarship
The William O. VandenBerg M.D. Scholarship will be given annually to one or more full-time staff
teachers* in the East Grand Rapids School District to be used for a class, seminar or workshop that will
directly enhance the quality of teaching in that person’s current specific academic area. The scholarship
will fund up to $4,000 for tuition, course materials, transportation, lodging and meals. The scholarship
must be used within the calendar year. The deadline for submission is May 1. Notification will be by
the end of May. The recipient will be recognized in August at the All Staff Meeting during the
Foundation’s award ceremony.
The William O. VandenBerg, M.D. Scholarship will not fund the following: administration courses; conference attendance; or a degree completion class unless the class specifically enhances the current academic area of teaching.
Funding
Reimbursement for tuition, course materials, travel, lodging, and meals should be submitted with receipts and the course evaluation no later than thirty days after completion of the course. If the course is graded, reimbursement will be made after the receipt of grades and transcripts showing that the teacher received a grade of “B” or better in the course. If the course does not give grades, reimbursement will be made upon receipt of Instructor Evaluation showing that the student finished the course and completed all course requirements. The recipient may apply to the School District Business Office for tuition payment to be remitted to the course institution in advance of the class, seminar, or workshop with the understanding
that, if for any reason the recipient can not attend the course, does not receive a course grade of “B” or
better, or does not finish the course or its requirements, full reimbursement of advance payment is to be
made to the School District.
Selection
The East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation’s Board of Directors and the VandenBerg family will annually appoint a joint committee to review applications and to select the recipient. *The Foundation’s Board of Directors and the VandenBerg family reserve the right to select more than one recipient with varying scholarship amounts that will add up to $4,000.
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