News | Copper Shores Community Health Foundation

Meet the 2026 Copper Shores Scholarship Recipients

Written by Emilie Jacques | Aug 25, 2026, 3:51:38 PM

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is excited to invest in the future of the Copper Country and introduce its latest scholarship recipients, the Class of 2026 Copper Shores Scholars. Sixteen local students are headed to colleges, universities and trade schools across Michigan, building skills and pursuing passions that will shape the future of their communities.

2026 Copper Shores Scholars

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation Scholarship - $5,000

This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, totaling as much $20,000 in financial award per student.

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation/KEDA Career Tech Scholarship - $2,000

These students are enrolled in a certificate program or an associate degree in a skilled trade or career technical education program.

Joseph Kirkish Educational Scholarship - $2,500

Kirkish’s intention is that recipients use the scholarship to help pay for education costs at a post-secondary school of their choosing.

Joseph Kirkish Congregational Scholarship - $2,500

These students are congregation members of St. Ignatius Loyola and/or St. Albert the Great Churches, upon request of Kirkish.

  • Colin Van Karsen - Houghton High School, Michigan Technological University
  • Joel Durocher - Houghton High School, Michigan Technological University

Joseph Kirkish Phi Kappa Tau Scholarship - $2,500

This scholarship is for two eligible Brothers of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity at Michigan Technological University, an organization that Kirkish joined during his time in school.

  • Donald Nurkala - Michigan Technological University

McIntyre Family Educational Scholarship - $2,000

The McIntyre Family's intention is that recipients, graduating seniors from Ontonagon High School, use the scholarship to help pay for education costs at a post-secondary school of their choosing.

Copper Shores Scholarship Process

Each spring, Copper Shores opens its scholarship application to eligible Copper Country students. A subcommittee of the Grants Management Committee then reviews applications with all names and other identifying information removed, selecting the students who will receive awards. If you know a student heading into their senior year, subscribe to the Copper Shores email newsletter so you don't miss next year's announcement.

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