Scholarships & Designated Gifts

The Literacy Advocates Funds were established at the CFHZ in 2003.  Efforts were led by Jim Schoettle and Mike Dalman. At inception there were many individuals and local businesses who were interested in growing the the fund to generate interest to literacy and invite authors to speak with students and teachers at ZPS.

Effective in the fall of 2020 the Zeeland Education Foundation will award bi-annual literacy grants based on the literacy needs determined by the ZEF board in conjunction with the ZPS Assistant Superintendents of Curriculum. 

Heather Jacob Schaap was an educator and supporter of public schools. After her passing in 2018 her family wanted to leave a legacy in Heather's name. 

The Heather Jacob Schaap Communication Retreat, formerly known as the ZPS Communication Retreat, is now primarily funded with the contributions and distributions from this this fund. 

The goal of the communication retreat is to make a meaningful investment in the students' lives and futures. The skills they will learn in effective communication are critical for their personal and professional success. It's about equipping them with the tools to express themselves clearly, listen actively, and understand others' perspectives.

Both Zeeland West and Zeeland East students are selected to attend the event by nomination from high school teachers and staff. 

If you would like to contribute to the Heather Jacob Schaap Memorial Fund please send donations to: 

Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland

C/O Heather Jacob Schaap Fund

85 East 8th St. 

Ste 110

Holland, MI 49423

The distributions from this fund are used to assist the needs of select band students from Cityside Middle School.

This $10,000 gift was given to ZPS from Jaxon Brower’s grandfather.  Jaxon lost his battle with mental illness in 2016. Jaxon was a former student of Cityside Middle School and played  baritone in the Cityside band.