Participation in events such as First Robotics, mechanical manufacturing work experience, Manufacturing Week events or videos, MiCareerQuest or other real-life exposure to manufacturing would be preferred. The application will ask why funds are needed and how they will be utilized as part of our scoring criteria.

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Criteria used in the awarding of these Scholarships include:

• Students residing in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Montcalm, or Muskegon counties will receive additional points in scoring.  Students from surrounding areas may be considered with a strong statement of connection to West Michigan or attending school in West Michigan.

• All applicants must plan to attend a post-secondary educational institution in the state of Michigan to be eligible.

• Essays will be reviewed by the Selection Committee and scored to identify Finalists. 

• Finalists will be interviewed (either virtually or in person) by members of the Scholarship Selection Committee prior to determining recipients. 

• Alternate non-monetary resources including mentorships, internships, training, and job shadowing opportunities may be offered to qualified individuals not ultimately selected for scholarship awards.

•  High school seniors selected must furnish the selection committee with a copy of their college acceptance documentation prior to funds being released.

• Skilled trade recipients must furnish the selection committee with enrollment documentation or acceptance information within a qualified program prior to funds being released.

• In the unlikely event the above documentation paperwork cannot be provided, the offer of a scholarship may be withdrawn with an alternate recipient selected.

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Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2024. Scholarships will be awarded in person on May 22, 2024. Scholarship recipients and their spouses or parents/ guardians will be invited to attend a reception (where they will read their essay to Discover Manufacturing members and have an opportunity to interact with West Michigan manufacturers and educational partners.

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An online application will be available at Discover Manufacturing.com beginning October 2, 2023, promoted to students during Discover Manufacturing Week activities and provided to the Intermediate school districts within the seven identified counties. The scholarship will also be promoted to adults and apprentices throughout the Discover Manufacturing network including our manufacturing companies and community college system.

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Scoring of Completed Application:

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15 points:        Spelling, grammar, and structure. (essay)

40 points:        Answering both parts of the essay question to communicate why manufacturing is                             the right career path for you and how you plan to make a difference within a                                       manufacturing environment.

15 points:        An explanation of the experience, related skills, or exposure to manufacturing you                               have had

15 points:        A statement of why funds are needed and how they will be utilized.

15 points:        Resides within the identified seven county region or strong statement of connection                           to West Michigan.

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Funding is discretionary by Scholarship Selection committee and may vary in award amounts based on number of qualified applicants and available funding.

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Scores of 75% to 80% $500 Award

Scores of 80% to 89% $1000 Award

Scores of 90% and above eligible for maximum awards of $1500 to $2000