Midland Area Community Foundation opens scholarship applications

As the cost of higher education and job training continues to pose challenges for students and families, the Midland Area Community Foundation is opening its annual scholarship application period with more than $900,000 available to help meet growing local need.

The foundation is accepting applications online through Jan. 31. Scholarships are available to high school seniors planning to continue their education, current college students, and adults returning to school to gain new skills or credentials. Most scholarships are open to residents of Midland County, with a limited number also available to residents of Gladwin County.

To reduce barriers for applicants, the foundation uses a universal application process. Students complete one online form and are automatically matched with the scholarships for which they qualify, eliminating the need to apply separately for dozens of individual awards. More than 250 scholarships are expected to be awarded in 2026. 

“Building permanent community capital through investment in education is one of the many important functions of a community foundation,” says Sharon Mortensen, president and CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors, we awarded almost $1 million in scholarships last year. We’re looking forward to continuing to build that impact this year.”

In 2025, the foundation received 692 completed scholarship applications and awarded 382 scholarships to 262 students, distributing $980,560 in funding. Those numbers highlight how many students rely on scholarship support to enroll in or continue postsecondary education, whether at colleges, universities, or vocational training programs.

Since 1978, the Midland Area Community Foundation has awarded more than $8.5 million in scholarships to local students. Scholarship funds are established by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations that view education as a critical investment in the community’s future workforce and long-term economic stability.

Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship program reflects a collaborative community effort. Besides encouraging applications, the Midland Area Community Foundation is also seeking volunteers to serve as scholarship reviewers. Volunteer reviewers play a vital role in ensuring scholarships are awarded thoughtfully and equitably, following donor intent while supporting local students.

“Our ability to sponsor more than 250 scholarships would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteer reviewers,” says Heather Crowl, the foundation’s scholarship coordinator and impact assistant. “Reviewing scholarships is a meaningful and rewarding way to give back to the community and directly support the next generation.”

Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact Crowl at hcrowl@midlandfoundation.org for more information.

All scholarship applications must be submitted online. Students who need assistance completing the application or have questions about eligibility may contact the Midland Area Community Foundation at 989-839-9661.

Since 1973, the Midland Area Community Foundation has served as a public charity, helping area residents make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, with a mission centered on improving quality of life throughout the community.