Scholarships for High School Students in Michigan

Is your child in their senior year of high school? If so, the reality of college tuition might be inching closer and closer to your wallet. So, how can you tame the price tag of higher education for your child and minimize their student loan debt?

With some of these scholarships for high school students, of course! But how do you find additional scholarships in Michigan outside of filing the FAFSA?

Well, we’ve done some digging to find great college scholarships for high school students in Michigan that you may have overlooked in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties — and beyond. Scholarships are always available if you know where to dig.

Students can find even more opportunities online through websites like Fastweb, including these scholarships for your average student — or even scholarships with unusual or unique requirements. Be sure to explore our affording college checklist, too!

Do you know of any other great scholarship opportunities for Michigan students? Let us know in the comments.

Christensen Law Distracted Driving Scholarship

Requirements: Students create a 60-second “public service announcement” video, an original essay (1,500-2,000 words) or an original graphic about the problems associated with distracted, drunk and/or impaired driving, aimed at influencing young drivers. Applicants must be living in the United States and planning to pursue a post-secondary education at an accredited college or university. Proof of enrollment or an admissions letter is required.
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: July 4, 2022

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Scholarship Programs

Requirements: This foundation manages more than 20 scholarship funds with varying requirements. Students fill out a single application and are matched to scholarships. Transcripts and at least two recommendation letters required.
Amount: $250-$7,500
Deadline: March 15, 2022

Dallas-Plangetis Scholarship

Requirements: The Diabetes Scholars Foundation recognizes one incoming freshman from Washtenaw County with type 1 diabetes each year.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March, 2022

Detroit Promise Scholarship

Requirements: This scholarship is open to students from Detroit who are attending one of 18 partnering Michigan universities and offers continuous funding to those that maintain a 2.5 GPA, remain a full-time student and stay on track to complete a four-year degree.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 15, 2022

Duck Brand Duct Tape “Stuck at Prom” Scholarship Program

Requirements: Participants must create high school prom attire — either a dress or tux — completely made out of Duck Brand duct tape. Submit photos of yourself in the attire and fill out the entry form. Must be at least 14 years old to participate. It’s no longer required to wear your creation to prom!
Amount: $500-$10,000
Deadline: July 31, 2022

Ford Blue Oval Scholarship

Requirements: Must attend one of 10 southeast Michigan high schools (explore the most recent list here).
Amount: Up to $6,200
Deadline: Watch for 2023 details; typically runs in March and April

Julia Catherine Niswender Endowed TWIN Scholarship

Requirements: Applicant must have at least a 2.5 GPA and should submit a one- to two-page essay about what it means to be a twin, along with a photo of you and your twin. Be sure to include information on academic history, honors, employment experience and volunteer activities. Student must be studying at Eastern Michigan University.
Amount: $500
Deadline: Annual deadline is April 1 for the following academic year

Michigan First Credit Union Scholarship Competition

Requirements: Students are challenged to create a video or essay focused on a certain theme; most recently it was “What fictional character would you bring to life and why?” Applicants must be a good standing member with Michigan First Credit Union, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plans to pursue a two- or four-year university, community college, vocational or technical school the following fall. High school seniors and current college students are eligible. Plus, find additional tips on applying for scholarships.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: June 3, 2022

Society of Women Engineers Scholarship

Requirements: Must identify as female and be “studying community college, baccalaureate or graduate programs in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science.” Student must provide an official transcript and write an essay.
Amount: Unspecified
Deadline: May 9, 2022

State of Michigan Scholarships and Grants

Requirements: The State of Michigan offers about 10 scholarships or grants to high school students pursuing a postsecondary education. All have different requirements and stipulations. Click the title above to visit the website for the latest details.
Amounts: Some vary based on need, others vary
Deadlines: Vary

Union Plus Scholarship

Requirements: Students who apply for this scholarship must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit an essay. They are “evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor.” Only current or retired members of participating unions, their spouses and dependent children are eligible. Find a full list of eligibility requirements online.
Amount: $500-$4,000
Deadline: 2023 applications open in mid-June, 2022

Wayne State University Scholarship Opportunities (AcademicWorks)

Requirements: Nearly 100 private scholarships are available to incoming or current Wayne State University students. Some scholarships are need-based, which means students need to have their FAFSA forms complete as well. Fill out the scholarship application online.
Amounts: Vary
Deadline: March 1, 2022

This post was originally published in 2021 and is updated regularly. 

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