Harry E. Tope Memorial Aviation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

Overview
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation administers more than 85 permanently endowed scholarship funds that support a growing number of local students — including non-traditional/older applicants. These scholarships were created by community members, businesses, and organizations to help individuals pursue their educational goals. Some endowments fund multiple awards; however, not every fund distributes an award each year.

Online application and deadline
The 2026 scholarship cycle is now open and the application is available through our online portal. All applications must be completed through this portal and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Applicants do not need to produce multiple paper copies, and school officials can upload transcripts electronically. Note: the portal includes additional questions to determine which specific scholarships each student qualifies for. We strongly encourage all applicants to read the Frequently Asked Questions before beginning the application.

Ethics and conflict-of-interest rules
Trustees, committee members, and staff of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation must avoid situations that could create actual conflicts or the appearance of personal or financial benefit. Any trustee, committee member, or staff person who may have a potential conflict is required to disclose it immediately. More detailed policy information is available on our website.

Policy regarding immediate family applications
Immediate family members of trustees, committee members, or staff are eligible to apply for Foundation scholarships. However, anyone affiliated with the Foundation must refrain from participating on selection committees or voting on scholarships in which an immediate family member is a candidate. Scholarship committee members are required to disclose any possible conflicts before serving on a review panel and may not serve on a panel that reviews an application from an immediate family member.