Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

For good. For ever.

306 South University Avenue Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 United States

(989) 773-7322

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Brenda Echelbarger Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Brenda Echelbarger Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Brenda Echelbarger by her closest friends. Brenda was a graduate of Mid-Michigan Community College and a nurse for 19 years at Mid-Michigan Medical Center-Gratiot. She embodied the finest qualities of a nurse; she was calm, assuring, and encouraging – especially in the case of the underdog. Brenda brought out the best in the people. She loved her career as well as being a mother and a grandmother. Brenda lost her life to domestic violence in January of 2015.

Brenda Echelbarger

Brenda’s friends created the B.E. Strong Group, which hosts a 5K race each year in Brenda’s honor. The founder said, “We don’t just want to help people get out (of domestic violence situations). We want to help people leave before it starts. If we help one person, this is all worth it.”

Brenda Echelbarger

The founder and supporters of the Brenda Echelbarger Memorial Scholarship Fund believe that education is the key to a fresh start. They want to honor Brenda as a community member who was a natural educator and leader through her nursing profession. Scholarship recipients will be individuals who have made the decision to leave an abusive situation and are actively pursuing higher education.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

  • Student shall be a U.S. citizen.

  • Student shall be a resident of Clare, Gratiot, or Isabella County.

  • Student shall have completed at least one semester at an accredited college, university, or trade school.

  • Student must have removed themselves from an abusive environment for at least six months, and be able to discuss their situation and how they plan to continue to be successful through a written essay.

Scholarship Preferences:

In selecting the most qualified applicant to receive the scholarship, reviewers will give preference to the following, listed in priority order:

  • Student plans to pursue a degree in human services (medical, social work, etc.)

  • Student has demonstrated academic ability with a GPA of 3.0 or greater.