Community Choice Foundation Expands Scholarship Program to Include Continuing Education and Skilled Trade Opportunities

The Community Choice Foundation is expanding its scholarship program, which has awarded more than $1.1 million to date, to include continuing education and skilled trade programs. The Foundation will continue awarding $100,000 annually, broadening its student base to include those planning to continue their education outside of a traditional college or university, and will grow the number of scholarships awarded from 20 to 25.

Twelve years after its inception, the change creates support for the various educational paths students in Michigan can pursue, while keeping top talent in the state and supporting Michigan’s investment in filling over 500,000 skilled trade jobs by 2026.

The application is available online at MichiganScholarship.com. Students who are interested have until Feb. 28 to apply. While there are minimal requirements to qualify for one of the 25 available scholarships, membership at Community Choice Credit Union is not one of them.

Following the application and review period, Community Choice will grant 15 scholarships of $5,000 each to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree from a Michigan college or university. New this year, six, $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to students who plan to use the money to complete fundamental education programs, such as attaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or to cover the cost of a recertification. Students interested in pursuing a career in a skilled trade or technical education degree (CTE) will have the chance to receive one of four $2,500 scholarships. A total of 25 scholarships will be awarded.

“We’re excited about the changes to the scholarship program,” said Jeremy Cybulski, community engagement manager. “They come at the perfect time and were made in direct response to the evolving Michigan economy and demand for skilled trade professionals. We also recognize that a traditional classroom setting isn’t for everyone. The 10 scholarships that are earmarked for continued and non-traditional education reinforce our ability to help a variety of students from a variety of sectors across the state.”