Opportunities for the 2010-11 Academic Year

FACT SHEET

BACKGROUND
The Imagine Fund is a Michigan nonprofit organization that was established in 2008 to promote college access and attainment of a college degree through scholarship awards to students who are academically qualified and economically challenged. Opportunities are particularly aimed at students who are of color, first generation, and otherwise historically under-served in higher education. Recognizing the importance of inclusion and equity on Michigan’s college campuses, The Imagine Fund awards its own funds as well as those from donors who are similarly committed to diversity.

The Imagine Fund will award its inaugural tuition scholarships for the 2010-11 academic year from three sources.

Following are the criteria that apply to all three scholarship programs:

 

SIX REQUIRED AWARD CONDITIONS
Recipients of awards from all three programs must meet each of the following six qualifications:

1. Be Black or Latino
2. Be enrolled in at least twelve (12) credit hours at the junior or senior

    status by institutional definition
3. Be making satisfactory progress as defined by the university and the

    specific academic program/major
4. Have demonstrated financial need
5. Fulfill all requirements detailed on the scholarship application
6. Use award for tuition and fees and other expenses related to

    university level classes

 

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
Following are the unique criteria for each program:

  

   
1. The Imagine Fund Signature Scholarship: Multiple awards, up to  

    $5,000 for the year. No prescribed course of study.

• In addition to six required award conditions, recipient(s) must also be:
  
  • Enrolled at a Michigan public university during 2010-11
  • Have graduated from high school in Benton Harbor, Flint, Pontiac or Saginaw

 

There is the possibility of scholarship renewal provided specific criteria are met; but automatic renewal is not assured.

  

2. Health Alliance Plan (HAP) Scholarship: One-time scholarship, up to $2,500 for the year.

• In addition to six required award conditions, recipient(s) must also be:
  • Enrolled at a Michigan public university during 2010-11
  • Pursuing a degree in a health care profession
  • Have graduated from high school in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Washtenaw, Livingston or St. Clair county

3. Steelcase Scholars Fund: An endowed scholarship, with a total of $4,000 being awarded. Steelcase Inc. is committed to providing real-life professional opportunities to enhance student’s knowledge and experience in their chosen academic field of study as it relates to the corporate world. To that end, recipients of this scholarship will be provided an opportunity to apply for a paid internship with the Steelcase Inc., a global leader in the office furniture industry.

• In addition to six required award conditions, recipient(s) must also be:
  • Enrolled at University of Detroit-Mercy or a Michigan public university during 2010-11
  • Pursuing a degree in engineering, business, industrial design, interior design, computer science/computer information technology, or environmental science/studies
• Have graduated from a high school in Kent County

 

• Preference for this scholarship will be given to students who:

• Have graduated from Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy
• Have participated in GEAR UP, Upward Bound, Trio Programs or other college preparatory programs
• Have completed classes or programs at West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology (WMCAT)

 

• The scholarship is renewable through degree completion without complete re-application and selection provided the recipient:
  • Is enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours
  • Is in satisfactory academic standing as defined by the university and the specific academic program/major
  • Communicates current academic status to The Imagine Fund and interest in continuing the scholarship

   
  

HOW DO I APPLY?
If you meet all of the criteria, as described above, for the respective scholarship program of interest, you are encouraged to apply. To do so, please:

• Complete the on-line scholarship application. Be certain to designate each of the scholarship programs you are applying to.

• Be sure to include the following along with your application:
  • Copy of most recent financial aid awards letter
  • Most recent grade report

   

• Ask two individuals who know you well, at least one of whom must be a college/university faculty member or administrator, to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf, by the application due date of April 30, 2010

• Sign the application acknowledging your understanding of terms of the scholarship program and allowing release of college/university information, as may be needed to substantiate information about potential recipients
  

IMPORTANT DATES

• April 30, 2010: Deadline for receipt of all application materials to The Imagine Fund
• Early June 2010: Notification of awards to all student applicants
  

    

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please refer any questions to or seek additional information from:

The Imagine Fund Scholarship Consultant at scholarship@theimaginefund.com or call 1.517.316.1430 .

 

APPLY NOW!

Sincere best wishes as you pursue your college degree!