FOR: Adult and Nontraditional Students

Scholarships Available for 2008

The American Association of University Women--Midland Branch "Woman in Transition" Scholarship is an award of $2,000 to a woman who has had a delay or interruption in her education beyond high school and who wishes to work toward a baccalaureate or higher degree, OR already has a baccalaureate degree and is returning to school to re-educate herself with a specific career goal in mind. For purposes of this scholarship, a delay or interruption in education must equal a minimum of one fall or one spring semester. The award must be used in the academic year following the May announcement of the recipient. It is based on a combination of merit, need and the woman's potential contribution to society. Previous recipients may reapply for a second year if the student achieves a B average or better during the first year. The essay for this scholarship should describe career goals, reasons for applying for this scholarship and participation in related activities or studies in the past five years. Two scholarships may be awarded.

The Thurman O. Sr. and Mary E. Armstrong Scholarship provides a $2,000 annual award (this year three of these awards may be offered) to a Midland County resident for purposes of attending a college or university. Applicants may be graduating high school seniors, current college students, or adult or nontraditional students. The successful applicant will demonstrate a balance of academic achievement, a history of volunteerism and community service, and the struggle to overcome a significant hardship or barrier (financial, health, family, learning disability, etc.). The essay for this scholarship should describe the applicant's background, achievements, personal and career goals, community service history, obstacles overcome, and why the applicant feels he/she qualifies for this scholarship.

The Jim Ayre Memorial Scholarship provides a $500 award to a Midland County resident. The recipient should demonstrate financial need and be pursuing a degree in business or real estate from one of the following institutions: Delta College, Central Michigan University, Northwood University or Western Michigan University. The recipient need not have been an excellent or even above average student, but should show college potential as determined by school counselors. The scholarship will be available to students pursuing either undergraduate or graduate degrees. The essay for this scholarship should describe background, achievements, personal and career goals, and why the applicant feels he/she qualifies for this scholarship.

The Dr. Shailer L. Bass Memorial Scholarship for nontraditional students assists Midland County adults pursuing post high school studies at a community college, college or university. Two $3,000 scholarships may be awarded. Applicants may have neither the financial resources nor the usual credentials for a college education, but now wish to further their formal education. Applicants may plan to attend college on either a full- or part-time basis, including both day and/or night classes. Preference will be given to those who have a demonstrated interest and ability in their chosen field of study. Previous recipients may reapply. The essay for this scholarship should describe personal background and achievements, financial need and personal goals and career objectives.

The Bullock Creek Alumni Memorial Endowed Scholarship provides an annual $500 scholarship award to a Bullock Creek High School graduating senior or Bullock Creek High School graduate. The successful applicant will be planning to attend an accredited community college, college or university, or technical or trade school in the year of the award. Preference will be for applicants who show some work experience, financial need, and a career and community service focus. The purpose of the Fund is to remember alumni and supporters of the Bullock Creek Schools who have passed away. The essay for the scholarship should describe the applicant’s personal background and achievements, financial need, and involvements which support the career and community service focus of this scholarship.

The D. B. Carlsen Family Scholarship awards $1,500 to a Midland County resident who is at least 28 years of age, whose formal education has been interrupted or delayed and who has successfully completed 24 semester credit hours at an accredited community college, college or university in the State of Michigan. Preference will be for undergraduate students. The essay for this scholarship should describe personal background and achievements, education and work experience, financial need and personal and career goals. At least one of the references should be from a professor in the student's major.

The Robert W. and Veronica M. Cermak Scholarship is at least one award of up to $1,400. It assists Midland County residents pursuing post high school studies at accredited trade or technical schools, community colleges, colleges or universities. Applicants will be those who need to sharpen old skills or acquire new ones to re-enter the job market, or those whose formal education has been interrupted either at the high school or undergraduate levels. The essay for this scholarship should describe background, achievements, financial need and personal and career goals.

The Susan Olney Cozat Endowed Scholarship provides an annual scholarship award ($500 this year) to single mothers pursuing a college education. Successful applicants will be Midland or Gladwin County residents, will be single mothers who have underage children living with them, and will demonstrate financial need. Previous recipients may reapply. The essay for this scholarship should describe background, achievements, financial need, and personal and career goals.

The Elloweese Denise Freer Endowed Scholarship provides an annual scholarship award(s) (this year one $500 award) to either a graduating high school senior or current college student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a graduate student pursuing a Master of Nurse Anesthesia, or a graduate student pursuing Veterinary Medicine. The successful applicants will be Midland or Gladwin County residents, and will demonstrate both financial need and strong academics. The essay for this scholarship should describe background, achievements, financial need, and personal and career goals.

The Glenn R. Garrison Endowed Scholarship provides annual scholarship awards (this year one award of $300) to Midland County residents. The successful applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, have a good work ethic, be involved in Christian church activities, and must demonstrate that they are investing in helping others. Graduating high school seniors, current college students, or adult and non-traditional students may apply. One reference should be from a senior pastor, minister or priest. The essay for the scholarship should describe the applicant’s personal background, goals, church/community involvements, and how he/she has invested into helping others.

The Stephen E. Gorman Memorial Scholarship provides an annual, one-time award of $1,500 to encourage a person less than 25 years of age to attend a public college as a commuting student. Financial need will be considered. The applicant must reside in Midland County, and be a first-time college student commuting to one of these public colleges: Central Michigan University, Delta College, Mid-Michigan Community College, or Saginaw Valley State University. The essay for this scholarship should be on the theme "My Educational Goals and Interests."

The Risha and Julius (Jay) Grosberg Scholarship is an annual, one-time $1,000 award provided to enable a resident of Midland County, whose formal education has been interrupted or delayed, to re-enter a formal education program at the undergraduate level. Applicants must be at least 25 years of age, must demonstrate financial need, and be accepted into or attending an accredited, publicly supported university, college or community college in the State of Michigan. The essay for this scholarship should describe background, financial need and career goals.

The Home Builders Association of Midland Endowed Scholarship is offered to encourage higher education in fields supporting the home building industry. There will be two scholarships offered at $750 each. The essay for this scholarship should describe personal background and achievements, financial need, personal goals and career objectives.

The Maureen Wright King Endowed Scholarship provides an annual award of $1,000 to a Midland or Gladwin County resident who did not finish traditional high school, but rather earned a GED. Preference will be for students supporting themselves; financial need is a consideration. The essay for the scholarship should describe the applicant’s personal background and achievements, financial need, employment objectives after completion of schooling, and involvements which support commitment to career choice.

The Loretta G. Lee Endowed Scholarship is a $1,200 scholarship award to a Midland County resident who has the educational objective of becoming a registered nurse. Successful applicants will demonstrate financial need. The essay for this scholarship should describe background, financial need and career objectives after completion of education.

The Michigan Community Blood Centers - Ernie Wallace Memorial Endowed Scholarship provides an annual scholarship (two awards of $500 this year) to an individual who is continuing their education in a health-related field. The recipient will be a Midland County resident pursuing medical certification at an accredited college, university, or technical medical training facility. An emphasis will be given to a non-traditional student who may be returning to, or entering, an institution of higher learning, or one who is currently studying in a health-related field. Graduating high school seniors will also be given consideration. Additional criteria include a suggested high school GPA of 3.0 or a current college GPA of 2.5. Applicants not meeting suggested GPA requirements are encouraged to have two recognized health care professionals fill out the Scholarship Reference Form. Recipients of the award may again apply for a scholarship in subsequent years. These applications will be processed the same as new applicants. The essay for this scholarship should describe background, achievements, and personal and career goals.

The Midland Area Community Foundation FOUNDERS' Scholarship is an annual award of $1,000 to enable an ind i vidual with financial need to pursue occupational programs that may be completed in two years or less. One scholarship will be available for a Midland County resident, and one for a Gladwin County resident. Previous recipients may reapply for a second year if the student achieves a B average or better during the first year. The term "occupational education" includes, but is not limited to, such programs as welding, automotive mechanics, nursing, office skills, electronic repair and service, residential construction. These programs normally require 60 credit hours or less. The essay for this scholarship should describe personal background and achievements, financial need and employment objectives after completion of schooling.

The Midland Business and Professional Women's Organization offers at least one $500 nonrenewable scholarship to a Midland County woman who is returning to school for additional education to develop marketable skills after an absence or interruption in education due to marriage, lack of financial support, or other reasons. The successful applicant must make herself available for an interview if requested. The award is restricted for use in the academic year following the May announcement of the recipient, and is based on a combination of merit and need. Consideration will also be given to the woman's potential contributions to society. The essay for this scholarship should describe career goals, reasons for applying for this scholarship, and participation in activities or other studies related to goals during the last five years.

The Midland Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals is offering a scholarship as a memorial to Sharon Tomczak, a former member. This annual award of $750 is to encourage pursuit of an office professional program. The term "office professional" includes, but is not limited to, such programs as secretary, medical secretary, legal office professional, administrative assistant, office clerk or stenographer. The successful applicant must have a demonstrated interest in preparing for a career as an office professional, and must be enrolled in a related curriculum, and must demonstrate financial need. One of the applicant's references should be a teacher. The essay for this scholarship should describe background, financial need and career objectives after completion of education.

The MITECH Plus, Inc. Endowed Scholarship awards up to four $1,000 scholarships to Midland County residents pursuing post high school education in the area of Construction, Bioscience/Health, Manufacturing or Information Technology. In addition, up to four $2,000 scholarships to Midland County residents pursuing post high school education in Chemical Process Technology may be awarded. Educational opportunities can be taken at a community college, university, trade or technical school, or through an industry-recognized certification program. Graduating high school students, current college students, adult and nontraditional students will be eligible. Financial need is not a consideration. The essay for this scholarship should describe personal background, personal achievements, education or work experience and personal and career goals.

The Pilgrim Technology Women in Business Endowed Scholarship provides an annual scholarship award ($500 this year) for higher education to a woman residing in Midland County, and who has a vision of remaining in or returning to Midland County following completion of her education. Graduating high school seniors (not home-schooled students), current college students, and/or adult/nontraditional students may apply. The successful applicant will have demonstrated financial need, successful academic achievement, and will be studying in a business field with a plan to eventually become an entrepreneur. A preference will be given to students who have some history of extracurricular activities and/or service through their religious institution or community organizations. The essay for the scholarship should describe the applicant’s personal background, church/community involvements, financial need, and future business goals and ideas for starting a business.

The Jane Catherine Rubens Memorial Scholarship is a $500 award to a Midland County resident. Successful applicants will demonstrate financial need. The essay for this scholarship should describe goals, interests and reasons for scholarship need.

The Daniel G. Stevens Family Agricultural Scholarship is a $1,000 award to enable a resident of Midland or Gladwin County to pursue post high school studies in an accredited college, trade or technical school in agricultural education. The term "agricultural education" includes, but is not limited to, such courses as Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, soil management and certificate programs in agriculture. Successful applicants should include among their references such individuals as teachers, farmers, or 4-H leaders. The essay for this scholarship should describe farm background (if any), financial need and goals to be achieved with the completion of study.

The Howard G. Swift III Memorial Scholarship is an award of $1,500 to an individual who is looking for a "second chance" by seeking higher education. Usually this person will be older than the typical college freshman, will have financial need, and will have experienced significant difficulties and/or hardships in his/her life. The essay for this scholarship should describe background, financial need, how the applicant meets the criteria for this scholarship, and career objectives after completion of education.

The Dale Waller Memorial Scholarship is an annual, nonrenewable award of $1,500 available to a graduate of a Midland County high school enrolled in a college vocational curriculum which leads to a certificate or associates degree, and must demonstrate financial need. The essay for this scholarship should describe activities, goals, interests, jobs held and reasons for applying for the scholarship.

The Judge James E. "Pinky" Wilson Endowed Scholarship provides a $500 scholarship award to graduates of Midland County high schools (public or private/parochial) or those who have been Midland County residents for at least a year. It is intended to assist students in pursuit of a baccalaureate degree. Successful applicants will be those most likely to share and act upon Judge Wilson's philosophy that we should "expand the bridge of opportunity" for others, and to "reach back to help those less fortunate to make the same journey." The essay for this scholarship should describe activities, goals, interests, jobs held and reasons for applying for this scholarship specifically.

The Eugene C. and Mildred G. Yehle Endowed Scholarship provides an annual scholarship award of $1,000 to a Midland County resident to continue their education beyond high school toward a “skilled or technical career.” Preference will be given to persons who want to find employment in the field of health care in Midland County and to persons already so employed who seek advancement in their careers. Applicants should have an aptitude for their chosen field, financial need, and integrity. Previous recipients may reapply for up to three additional years of education, assuming acceptable academic performance. The essay for this scholarship should describe the applicant’s personal background and achievements, financial need, employment objective s after completion of schooling, and involvements which support commitment to career choice.

The Zonta Club of Midland offers multiple scholarships to women of all ages pursuing career goals that will positively impact the status of women. The scholarships of $2,000 each are for use at any post secondary education institution or for cost of certification, or for vocational education. The scholarships may be applied to tuition, fees, and items on the student account. The scholarships are for women re-entering the workforce or who are in the workforce going back to school. Those entering college/vocational certification directly from high school will be considered as well. Applicants must have been a Midland County resident for at least one year. Previous recipients may reapply. The successful applicant will have achieved at least a 2.5 GPA. Preference will be given to women who have supported, and/or plan to support through their education, the advancement of women. Award will be based on financial need, work/life skills, community service/extra curricular activities (depending on the situation of the applicant), GPA/GED, honors/awards, and references. The essay for this scholarship should describe career goals, what events/situations influenced choice of career, how the scholarship will help student to attain goals, how the applicant plans to help the advancement of women through her career choice, and any circumstances that have created the need for this financial support.