Michigan Scholarship and Grant Programs

With the rising cost of higher education, it is important for students to consider grants, scholarships, and financial aid programs.

However, it can be difficult to track down all of the available sources of funding for future and current students.

This may cause some scholarships and grants to go unclaimed. In the interest of simplifying this process, a compilation of such programs shall be listed here for the benefit of aspiring students. Take a close look at these programs to determine if they may be useful.

The Bay Commitment

This scholarship is provided by the Bay Area Community Foundation Scholarship Program. This community organization offers privately funded scholarships to students from the Bay County area. Local businesses, families, and civic organizations are attributed with financing this educational effort. Since 1984, they have provided over $1.69 million in scholarships to a growing list of more than 2700 students.

The Bay Area Community Foundation offers a broad variety of additional scholarships. The organization’s website provides detailed information and applications related to this award. Details regarding additional programs can also be learned by visiting the website.

Qualifications, Eligibility, and Selection Criteria:

• The applicant must be a first-generation college student. In order to qualify, the student’s parents or guardians must not have acquired a Bachelor’s Degree.
• The student must have maintained residency in Bay County for at least six years prior to application
• The applicant must have attended one or more of Bay County’s public high schools for four full years.
• The student is required to successfully graduate high school and attain a diploma during the year of application.
• The student must attend Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University the following fall of the year of application.
• Students shall submit an application and essay for consideration by the Bay Area Community Foundation.
• The student must maintain a minimum of twelve credit hours while attending the chosen college or university.

Awards:

In the past, the Bay Area Community Foundation has offered 100 $2,000 scholarships each year to students seeking a degree at Delta College or Saginaw Valley State University. The value and number of the scholarships may be subject to change.

The Daniel Gerber, Sr. Medallion Scholarship

This scholarship program was created by the Gerber Foundation to honor the memory of Daniel Gerber, Sr. It is designed to recognize excellence in academic achievement by graduating seniors from Newaygo County, Michigan. Specific details and application information can be found at the Gerber Foundation’s website.

Qualifications, Eligibility, and Selection Criteria:

• The student must submit an educational report from the school counselor.
• A copy of the student’s school record must be presented.
• A letter of recommendation will be considered by the selection committee.
• The student shall present a personal background report.
• The applicant must submit a typed essay of 500 to 1000 words.
• The student must have a grade point average of 3.71 or higher.
• This program is only available for graduating seniors from one of the five school districts in Newaygo County, Michigan.
• Academic performance will be evaluated during the selection process.

Award:

This scholarship provides for an $8,000 total award to be used for tuition, books, and fees during the student’s pursuit of an undergraduate degree.

The Michigan Tuition Grant

This grant program is offered by the State of Michigan. It is designed for students that intend to enroll in an independent college or university in Michigan. An application and additional details are available at the website for the government of the State of Michigan.

Eligibility:

• Financial need must be demonstrated by the student.
• The student must be enrolled at least part-time at a degree-granting, independent post-secondary educational institution in Michigan.
• The applicant must be a resident of Michigan. July 1st of the previous year serves as the minimum cutoff point to establish residency for the purposes of this program.
• The student must be a permanent resident or citizen of the United States.The applicant must meet the institution’s Ability to Benefit standards. This may require a high school diploma or a General Educational Development certificate.

Grant Value:

The grant can only be applied to tuition or fees related to attendance of a college or university. This program pays up to $2,100 per year. Since this is a government program, each year’s funding is subject to budgetary appropriation.

Scholarships from the Michigan Nurses Foundation

The Michigan Nurses Foundation is an organization that was formed in the year 2000 to promote nursing by providing financial aid, scholarships, and research grants. This is a private organization that acquires funding through community donations. Applications and additional information can be gleaned from the organization’s website.

Eligibility and Qualifications:

• The student must be enrolled in a college or university that offers nursing certification or a nursing degree.
• The student must remain in good academic standing.
• The applicant must demonstrate continuous progress towards completion of a degree or certification program.

Awards:

Four of the applicants will be selected for a $500 scholarship towards tuition or certification program fees.

The Minority Scholarship Program by the Mary Free Bed Guild of Grand Rapids

This organization offers a large scholarship to minority students that pursue an educational program with a focus on nursing or therapy. This is a private scholarship competition judged by a selection committee designated by the Mary Free Bed Guild. The selection committee contains community leaders, members of the Mary Free Bed Guild, and employees of the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Further information and application details can be attained at the Mary Free Bed web page.

Eligibility, Qualifications, and Selection Criteria:

• The student must be presently enrolled in or accepted by a qualified and accredited college or university in a therapy or nursing program.
• Only full-time students that intend to complete a degree program are eligible for the scholarship.
• The student must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. This average must be maintained in overall courses and in the specific field of study.
• The applicant must show evidence of participation in community service, volunteer assistance, and extracurricular programs.
• The applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
• The student must belong to an ethnic or racial minority group. For the purposes of this program, eligible groups are defined as having African American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian, Latino, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian racial backgrounds.

Award:

This program offers a one-year scholarship of $17,500 for expenses related to education in the fields of nursing or therapy.

The Warner Norcross and Judd LLP Scholarship for Minority Students

This scholarship is provided by a private law firm for minority students that are pursuing a legal education. Applications and additional information are available at the law firm’s website. There are three separate awards that pertain to different legal pursuits. Applicants are judged by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Additional questions regarding this scholarship should be directed to Rodney Martin at rmartin@wnj.com.

Qualifications and Eligibility:

• The student must be a Michigan resident.
• The applicant must maintain a 2.5 or better grade point average.
• The applicant be of a racial or ethnic minority group.
• Financial need must be demonstrated by the student.
• The student will be asked to provide an explanation of ambitions related to the pursuit of a legal education.
• The finalists in all three award categories may be asked to submit to an interview process.

Awards:

This scholarship program offers three different degrees for specific legal careers. One scholarship gives $5,000 towards tuition at a law school in the United States. This specific award is for law school students only. Another offers $2,000 to a student attending a paralegal/legal assistant program at a qualified college or university in Michigan.

The secretarial studies program awards $1,000 to a student that studies under a legal secretarial program at an accredited college, university, or vocational school in Michigan.

The William D. &amp Jewell Brewer Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the American Legion to Michigan students that directly descend from American veterans. The applicant must be the child or grandchild of a veteran. Further information and an application can be found on the Michigan Legion’s website.

Qualifications:

• Students will be chosen based on academic standing. A 2.5 minimum grade point average is required for eligibility.
• Financial need will be considered during the selection process.
• Proof of the relevant family member’s military service record must be presented for eligibility.
• The student will not be required to attend school inside the State of Michigan. However, the student must attend high school in Michigan.

Award:

Past winners have received up to a $500 scholarship towards tuition.

The Guy M. Wilson Scholarship

This is another scholarship offered by the American Legion. This program is similar to the William D. &amp Jewell Brewer Scholarship program. However, winners of this scholarship must attend a college or university in Michigan. This award is also issued to children or grandchildren of American veterans. Further information and an application for this specific scholarship program can also be found on the Michigan Legion’s website.

Qualifications:

• The student’s past academic performance will be considered. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 is required.
• Financial need will be a significant consideration during the selection process.
• The student must provide evidence of the military service record of the veteran parent or grandparent.
• The student must intend to study at a college or university in Michigan.

Award:

Previous winners have received scholarships up to $500 towards tuition at a university or college in Michigan.

The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by the American Legion for Michigan students. This is a scholarship offered to students who compete with speeches about the U.S. Constitution. The purpose of the initiative is to promote education, public speaking skills, and awareness of the Constitution. The Michigan Legion’s website offers further information and applications for this contest.

Qualifications, Rules, and Eligibility:

• The applicant must be a college-bound high school student and Michigan resident.
• The student must be either a citizen or lawful resident of the United States.

Awards:

Scholarships for this contest can range from $800 to $1500.

The Michigan Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is a public program established by the legislature of the State of Michigan. The stated goal is to correct a shortage of health care workers in the area by presenting a scholarship that offsets tuition costs for future nurses that will be working in Michigan. Eligibility is determined by the financial aid infrastructure of the college or university that the individual attends. This program was cut during the 2009-2010 year due to budget shortfalls. However, Public Act 132 calls for the program to be refunded with top priority once additional revenues are realized. Further information about the Michigan Nursing Scholarship can be found on the State of Michigan’s website. A representative from the specific program can be reached toll-free at 877-323-2287.

Qualifications and Rules:

• The student must be enrolled to a minimum standard of qualification in a program that progresses towards a nursing certification or degree.
• The student must agree to acquire nursing certification and related employment within one year of completing education.
• The student must also agree to gain employment at an in-state medical facility licensed by the State of Michigan after graduation.

Award:

Full-time students may receive an award of up to $4,000. Part-time students receive between $2,000 and $3,000 to help with tuition.

The Grand Rapids Community Fund

This Grand Rapids community non-profit organization provides a private grant for students to attend college. While some exceptions may exist, the organization typically provides grants for students from Kent County schools. Around sixty competitive scholarships are issued by this group. A simple online application enters a student into several different scholarship contests. An application for 2010 has been made available as of January 1st. The deadline for submission in 2010 is on April 1st. Each scholarship has different rules for eligibility, qualifications, and awards.

The Kalamazoo Promise

This scholarship is offered by an anonymous group of private donors. It is designed to provide educational opportunities for students from the Kalamazoo area. In order to be eligible for this program, the student must have attended Kalamazoo Public Schools for four years. The applicant must reside continuously in the district for the entire period. An application for this program can be found on the organization’s website.

Relevant Qualifications:

• The student must be a graduate of a Kalamazoo Public Schools facility such as Loy Norrix High School, Kalamazoo Central High School, or Phoenix High School.
• The program requires students to gain application or enrollment at a public college or university provided by the State of Michigan.
• The student must continuously show progress towards a valuable degree or certification.
• A minimum of 12 credit hours must be pursued and completed.
• A minimum grade point average of 2.0 must be maintained. It is possible to restore good standing by returning the grade point average to 2.0 in the event that the student temporarily falls behind.

Award:

This program offers a unique graduated scale award based on the student’s time spent in Kalamazoo Public Schools’ learning facilities. This scale ranges from a full scholarship for students that have studied from kindergarten to a 65% scholarship for students that only attended high school in the area.

The Dakota Pequeno Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is administered by the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. This program was developed to honor the memory of Dakota Pequeno. She was a sixteen-year-old that lost her life to epilepsy. This scholarship is issued to a student that shows exceptional resilience, community involvement, and academic commitment in the face of epilepsy and seizures. The winner will be chosen by a three to five member selection committee appointed by the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. Applications and further information can be acquired on the website of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.

Qualifications, Eligibility, and Selection Information:

• The student must provide a letter from a physician that confirms a diagnosis of epilepsy or seizure disorder.
• The student must be a high school graduate or senior.
• The student must be between 17 and 21 years of age.
• The student must live and maintain a permanent address in Michigan.
• Proof of acceptance to an applicable college, university, or vocational program must be provided.
• A short essay, a letter of recommendation, and an application are required for submission into the program.
• Students will be measured based on the essay and letters of recommendation.
• Community involvement, career goals, and ways in which the student overcame epilepsy will also be considered in choosing the winner.

Award:

The winner will receive a $1000 scholarship towards tuition at a college, university, or vocational program.

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