Best Higher Education Grants in Michigan

The WMU Department of Political Science offers the United Nations/Kalamazoo Chapter Scholarship Award to outstanding undergraduates majoring in International and Comparative Politics. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence and considers factors like extracurricular involvement and study abroad participation. Eligible candidates must be in their junior or senior year and have completed at least one year of study at WMU. Preference is given to students with a record of activism and international engagement.

The Winnifred Stinson Basile Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, supports business students at accredited private institutions in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need, while also providing a personal statement outlining their educational and career goals. This one-time award encourages reapplication, although it remains a competitive process with no guarantee of renewal. The scholarship aims to empower local students pursuing business careers.

The Susan Shattuck Scholarship for Future Nurses, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors in the Tri-Cities area pursuing a nursing degree. This scholarship honors Susan Shattuck, a dedicated nurse who championed care for the underserved. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and a passion for nursing. Special consideration is given to students studying Political Science at Grand Valley State University or Aeronautical Engineering at Western Michigan University. A transcript and additional documents are required.

The Robert Stempel Memorial Scholarship, established by Mrs. Patricia A. Stempel, provides financial support for students from select Detroit high schools pursuing careers in science and engineering. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and show financial need. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, ensuring that dedicated students can pursue their educational goals without financial burden. The application deadline is February 12, 2025.

The Otis Smith Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, provides non-renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 for single parent mothers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Established to honor Otis M. Smith's mother, the program aims to empower women in southeastern Michigan, particularly those demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential. Applications are open until February 12, 2025, and recipients may use funds for tuition or educational expenses.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Michigan State University Alumni Association of Saginaw County Scholarship

The Michigan State University Alumni Club of Saginaw County was established in the early 1960s and is associated with the National Michigan State University Alumni Association. From the beginning, the MSU Alumni Club of Saginaw County has had the following mission:

The MSU Alumni Club of Saginaw County, Michigan, shall act as an agency for the dissemination of information regarding the educational advantages of Michigan State University, support the activities of Michigan State University toward the realization of its educational program, in every way possible, including scholarships, and unite, for social purposes, those persons who are interested in the distinguished record and future enhancement of Michigan State University.

The Scholarship Fund itself has been awarding scholarships to MSU students from Saginaw County for over 20 years. Our scholarship recipients have gone on to notable careers in business, engineering, medicine, education, finance, law, social service, public service, manufacturing and a variety of other careers – all of which were “jump started” in part through the scholarship they received from the MSU Alumni Club of Saginaw County. Our proudest moments are when our scholarship recipients return to Saginaw County to work and live and, subsequently, join us as members of the MSU Alumni Club of Saginaw County to help in perpetuating the mission of our Club.

The Detter Family Foundation Leaders in Mathematics and Science Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Allendale Public Schools pursuing post-secondary education in math or science. Emphasizing financial need, this scholarship also considers leadership qualities and extracurricular involvement. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate a commitment to their educational and career goals, ensuring a competitive selection process.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Zonta–Ann Mapes Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available for women pursuing a degree in business, science, maritime, aviation, culinary or nursing, leading to career employment. Eligible students will be enrolled at a minimum as a junior in any state accredited college, or a NMC Baccalaureate program, with at least a 3.0 GPA, and be a resident of Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Kalkaska, or Antrim Counties.

The Lawrence C. Hazen, D.O. Scholarship Fund, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports students pursuing a medical degree in Michigan. This fund honors Dr. Hazen's legacy of community service and commitment to healthcare. Eligible candidates include residents of the Great Lakes Bay and Thumb regions, enrolled full-time in medical or osteopathic schools. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $4,000, aiding aspiring healthcare professionals in achieving their educational goals.

The Miguel Cabrera Family Scholarship aims to support educational opportunities for high school graduates in Michigan and Florida, prioritizing those from specific counties. Each selected student receives $1,000, renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining good academic standing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be first-generation college students or from historically underrepresented groups. This initiative is backed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, which has a rich history of philanthropy since 1984.

The Jeptha Wade Schureman Scholarship Program, managed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, aims to support students from specific counties in Michigan. Annually, it offers up to ten scholarships of $7,500 each to eligible candidates pursuing degrees in law, nursing, medicine, or dentistry. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. The program is open to high school seniors and college students, fostering opportunities for those who are fatherless and committed to their education.

The Murdie Educational Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and recent graduates from Dryden, Almont, and Imlay City pursuing degrees in human or animal health. Eligible students can receive awards between $1,000 and $4,000, with financial need considered. Awardees will be recognized at the Foundation Scholarship Celebration and local high school events in May, promoting educational advancement in the community.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). .

Tompkins Scholarship Endowment (Central, West, TC High)

The Tompkins Scholarship Endowment was established to provide scholarship awards to benefit graduates from Traverse City Area Public Schools. Awards will be based primarily on academic achievement without consideration of financial need. Individual scholarship awards are intended to be significant in nature and may be renewable for future years. To qualify, students must be attending a public, in-state college/university.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship

The Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship was established to assist Saginaw County student-athletes who are continuing their academic and athletic career at Saginaw Valley State University.

The purpose of the corporation is to foster amateur sports competition by recognizing present and former area athletes, coaches and others who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics, either individually or by virtue of their performance on, or in connection with athletic teams representing their high school, community college, four-year college, university or professional team or sport; or by meritorious effort on behalf of athletics. The corporation will annually nominate, elect, honor and award truly outstanding Saginaw County male and female athletes, both past and present.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Melbourne & Alice E. Frontjes Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County for 3+ years, attending CMU, WMU, GRCC, MSU or U-M and with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Morley Travel Scholarship

Morley Travel established the Morley Travel Scholarship as a way to assist minority students who have been actively involved in their community and school –recognizing of the importance of education and the difference it can have in one’s life.

Morley Travel has been serving its customers for more than 40 years, working directly with major air, rail, bus and cruise lines, rental car companies, hotels and tour companies.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary Scholarship

The Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary was founded in 1955. Its purpose is to promote the interests of the Saginaw County Bar Association and to encourage law-related activities that contribute to community progress and improvements.

The Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary Scholarship has been established to benefit a Saginaw County resident pursuing an education in the field of law.

The Hellen Tallman Fund, established by Helen Tallman through the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, offers educational scholarships to engineering and medical students at Wayne State University. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. The fund honors Helen's family legacy of giving back to the community, ensuring support for students pursuing their educational goals.

The Georgia E. Doles Walker Emergency Grant at Western Michigan University provides crucial financial assistance to undergraduate sociology students facing unexpected expenses. This grant, up to $500, is designed to alleviate financial burdens by covering costs for books, supplies, or travel related to education. However, it is important to note that funds cannot be used for tuition or fees. Preference is given to applicants who contribute to the diversity and multiculturalism of the university community.

The Lanny Wilde Scholarship, offered by the WMU Department of Sociology, supports undergraduate students who are currently employed as WMU Public Safety Officers and enrolled in a Criminal Justice Program. With a total award of $500 per semester, this scholarship aims to ease the financial burden on dedicated students pursuing higher education. Nominations are forwarded by the Director of WMU Public Safety to Dr. Zoann Snyder by February 1st each year.

Robert E. Stark and Martin H. Stark Scholarship

The Robert E. and Martin H. Stark Scholarship was established in 2003 to further educational opportunity and the general well-being of the Saginaw area.

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (35)
• Essay (25)
• Overall involvement in community, school and work activities (20)
• Demonstrated leadership ability (10)
• Scholastic record (10)
• Consideration may be given to minority students.

The Lloyd Braithwaite Scholarship, offered by the Department of Sociology at Western Michigan University, provides $1,000 to full-time undergraduate criminal justice students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This scholarship does not require financial need and is awarded in two installments of $500 for the fall and spring semesters. Applicants must submit a resume and three letters of recommendation by February 1st to be considered for this opportunity.

The Stanley S. and Helenan S. Robin Scholarship, offered by the Department of Sociology at Western Michigan University, supports outstanding sociology and Social Psychology majors. Eligible applicants must be juniors planning to pursue a graduate degree in sociology. Interested students should apply online at Scholarship Universe by February 1. This scholarship emphasizes the university's commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting students in their educational journeys.

The Subhash Sonnad Dissertation Completion Scholarships at Western Michigan University support doctoral students in the final stages of their dissertation work. This one-time scholarship of $5,000 is awarded to students who demonstrate significant progress and a commitment to completing their dissertations within 6 to 8 months. Up to three scholarships are available annually, with applications due on October 1st. This initiative aims to enhance academic success and foster timely degree completion.

Thomas S. and Patricia A. Tilot Memorial Scholarship

Thomas Tilot was known throughout the community as a leader. He was involved in the Saginaw Public Schools from the time he graduated from the original Saginaw High School in 1950, to the time he was first elected to the school board in 1987, and until his death in 2000. Thomas served as board president from 1992-1995 and was a leader of the Building & Grounds Committee. He was a frequent visitor to school events and volunteered as an elementary reading tutor.

The CEHD Student Resilience Fund at Western Michigan University offers financial assistance to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students facing unexpected challenges that hinder their academic success. With a lifetime cap of $3,500, the fund addresses urgent needs such as textbooks, technology, and housing. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional resources before applying, as the fund is reliant on donations and does not provide support for anticipated educational costs.

The P. Joann Womble Dehring Memorial Education Endowed Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students at Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development. This scholarship encourages those enrolled in teacher education, counseling education, or counseling psychology programs to apply, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 required. Renewable for eligible students, it aims to foster academic success and dedication in future educators and counselors.