Saginaw Promises station at the Saginaw Community Foundation scholarship event.Jeff Carpenter of the Jeff Carpenter Studios
SAGINAW, MI — More Saginaw County students are heading to college this fall with the help of the Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF), which celebrated a historic milestone Wednesday, June 4, during its annual scholarship reception at Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw Township.
This year marks a record-breaking milestone for the SCF, according to Chamika Ford, program officer for scholarships and teaching grants.
The foundation awarded 898 individual scholarships to 518 students, totaling $1,744,800, Ford said.
That figure nearly doubled last year’s total of $991,500, which was awarded through 715 scholarships to 419 students.
The record-setting awards are the result of two years of behind-the-scenes work to improve the application process. In an effort to expand access, SCF redesigned its system to be more equitable, efficient, and student-centered.
Removing barriers, expanding opportunity
Among the most impactful changes was a shift away from traditional, formal essays. Instead, students now respond to seven guided questions designed to draw out their academic goals, career plans and personal stories, Ford said.
Other updates included:
A growing commitment to students
Wednesday’s reception was a celebration not just of numbers, but of futures. Students from all walks of life gathered with their families, proud donors and SCF staff to mark the beginning of the next chapter in their academic journeys.
Each year, students can begin applying for SCF scholarships on Nov. 1 through the foundation’s website.
Applications are due the second Friday in February of the following year.
For information, visit: https://www.saginawfoundation.org/scholarships/
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