1. Is an associate degree required to apply for a scholarship?

No, although the application does ask for information on educational institutions you have attended in the past.

2. Do I have to be currently enrolled in a university before I begin applying for a scholarship from The Imagine Fund?

No, but you do have to meet the other application criteria and qualifications. Also you must be enrolled in a Michigan public university in the fall semester of 2010-11 in order to receive your scholarship.

3. Are scholarships awarded by The Imagine Fund only available to students with a high GPA?

Consistent with applicant criteria, scholarship recipients must have demonstrated the capacity to earn a college degree. While high GPA’s are one measure of one’s ability, The Imagine Fund does not believe it is the only or even best predictor of success later in life. Therefore, our application seeks answers that paint a fuller picture of the experiences, motivation and potential of each applicant.

4. Is there a minimum GPA required for applicants?

All applicants and recipients of a scholarship must be in good academic standing according to norms of the university and their specific academic program or major. Consistent with applicant criteria, scholarship recipients must have demonstrated the capacity to earn a college degree. While high GPA’s are one measure of one’s ability, The Imagine Fund does not believe it is the only or even best predictor. This is the reason our application seeks answers which paint a more full picture of the experiences, motivation and potential of each applicant.

5. Are there financial restrictions as to who can apply for a scholarship from The Imagine Fund?

The Imagine Fund was established specifically to assist students with financial need in earning a college degree. Our organization does require submission of your institution’s financial award letter as well as answers to other financial questions. Financial need will be based off of one's completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that will show need on the financial award letter. This will allow us to include your financial need along with other information about you in our selection deliberations.

6. Why do I have to submit the financial award letter and answer other financial questions?

The Imagine Fund recognizes that personal and family finances are too often a deterrent to achieving the dream of a college degree. Therefore we seek to assist students who are academically qualified and economically challenged. Therefore, demonstration of one’s financial need is one of the most important criteria of our scholarship process.

7. Can a returning or non-traditional student apply for a scholarship from The Imagine Fund?

Yes, because no age limit has been set for our recipients. As long as all other application criteria and qualifications are met, a student of any age or length of time away from college may apply for a scholarship.

8. Why are students who are Black or Latino the only ones who can apply?

The Imagine Fund was established with a specific interest in providing scholarship opportunities to students who are of color, first generation and otherwise historically underserved in higher education. Based on data on college going rates and other relevant information, we decided to award our “inaugural year” scholarships to Black and Latino students. Updated information about future scholarship opportunities will be routinely posted on this website.

9. I am graduating from community college soon, and I will be entering a Michigan public university in the fall. Do I need to provide any additional documentation?

If you are selected to receive a scholarship, you will be asked for documentation of your acceptance to a Michigan public university as a condition of the award.

10. I live in Michigan but I want to attend an out of state college. Can I get aid from The Imagine Fund?

The Imagine Fund scholarships are dedicated to assist students attending Michigan public or private colleges and universities.

11. I live outside of Michigan but want to attend a Michigan university. Can I get aid from The Imagine Fund?

If The Imagine Fund is invited to manage scholarships that allow out of state residents to apply, the scholarship criteria and applications will be made available on this website.

12. Will my scholarship transfer if I transfer to another Michigan public university for second semester?

As long as you are in good standing for the first semester, you may use the second half of your award at a different Michigan public university.

13. What scholarships are available to transfer students?

Students who plan to transfer to a Michigan public university in the fall semester of 2010-11 are eligible to apply for all scholarships offered by The Imagine Fund, provided the respective applicant criteria. Our scholarships are awarded at the beginning of the academic year, and no provisions have been made for awards to mid-year transfers.

14. If I am a foster care alumnus or have been a ward of the state, can I apply for a scholarship?

Yes, you are encouraged to apply if you meet all of the other requirements. Please do not hesitate to contact the Scholarship Consultant with any questions you many have via email at scholarship@theimaginefund.com or call 517.316.1430 .

15. Can international students apply for a scholarship from The Imagine Fund?

The Imagine Fund scholarship process requires submission of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). One of its requirements is that an applicant be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (permanent resident).

16. Does The Imagine Fund have any scholarships for graduate or professional degree studies?

No, not at this time. However, updated information about future scholarship opportunities will routinely posted on this website.

Return to the main FAQ page for additional information.