For families, the cost of beginning the new school year can be challenging at every grade level.  My heart is warmed by the generosity of so many across our community who donate vital school supplies and backpacks to local programs for distribution to kids in need.  My heart is also warmed by the generosity of individual donors who contribute to scholarship funds at the Lenawee Community Foundation to support learning opportunities for our high school graduates.

While I am always inspired by the generosity of donors making a difference, I am especially grateful during this back-to-school time of year for all who invest in our next generation through a scholarship fund. Every fall, they pave the way to success for students heading off to school or technical training.  These individuals are changing lives and making dreams come true.

 In 2023, the Lenawee Community Foundation awarded over $245,000 in scholarships to more than 100 students.  It is our privilege to partner with donors who make these scholarship awards possible and help make the back-to-school excitement at the post-secondary level a reality for everyone, regardless of need. Together, we are opening the door to unlimited possibilities for a student on their way to greatness.

Scholarship Funds preserve memories, honor legacies, and serve as powerful passports to potential for our next generation of leaders.  If you would like to use your gift to help students achieve their educational goals, all with the guidance and personal services of your community foundation, please reach out to us at 517-263-4696 or email  ForLenawee@LenaweeCF.com.  You work with our team to determine the criteria students must meet to receive the scholarship you establish. Your community foundation handles applications and processes scholarship awards.

To quote Pele’, an accomplished and acclaimed Brazilian athlete, “Success is not accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do”.  May we inspire our next generation to learn, study, and persevere this upcoming school year.  From pre-K to college or trade school, let’s work together as a community to make this the best school year ever for our students!

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Bronna Kahle serves as the President & CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation.  Your Community Foundation partners with individuals, corporations, and organizations to fulfill their charitable goals and dreams for Lenawee.  For information about how your business, any group, your family, or you can help build a better community for today and forever, call 517.263.4696, contact forlenawee@lenaweecf.com , or visit lenaweecf.com.

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Scholarships are a great way to reduce the cost of the college, and the best part is that the scholarship money that is received does not need to be paid back!

Listed below are a few resources for scholarships that students, who are planning on attending college, can use to kick start the scholarship search!

• Lenawee County Education Foundation
• Your high school counselor
• Your school district education foundation
• Check the websites of the colleges that you are considering
• Check with your parents and grandparents for scholarships through their places of work

Happy scholarship searching to all students and their families from the Lenawee College Access Network (LCAN).

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Sarah Hartigan is an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) with the Lenawee Community Foundation. She serves the Lenawee College Access Network, Lenawee Youth Council, and VOLUNTEER Lenawee!

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If there was a way to earn a million dollars more over your lifetime, would you consider it?  Do you know that education after high school can nearly double your earnings compared to a high school diploma?  Do you know that only 3 years from now 60% of the jobs in Michigan will require education beyond high school?  Did you know you can get help with your college scholarship by speaking to someone at the Lenawee College Access Network.

Each year of education after high school including the military, technical or trade schools, apprenticeships, or college will on average increase your earnings 10% each year. There are many resources to pay for education after high school—scholarships, grants, work-study, fee waivers for ACT testing and college applications, and more.

In general, the lower your household income, the more resources are available.  In fact, children over age 12 who have received Medicaid for 24 months can receive free tuition.

Annually, the U.S. Department of Education provides more than 150 billion dollars in grants, loans, and work-study funds, making higher education possible for anyone.  To take advantage of these funds, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA.  The deadline in Michigan is March 1, however some colleges have earlier cut off dates, so apply today at https://fafsa.ed.gov.

The Lenawee County Education Foundation since its incorporation in 1985, has awarded over $3,562,000 in scholarships to nearly 3,400 Lenawee County students! There are 316 separate student scholarship opportunities to provide Lenawee County students and families with financial support in pursuing higher education.  The deadline for these scholarships is February 20^th 2015.  Visit www.lenaweecan.org for more information.

The Lenawee College Access Network (LCAN) is comprised of local educators, counselors, business and non-profit leaders, students, and volunteers to accomplish the same goal –By 2025, 60% of Lenawee County residents will have a post-secondary degree or beneficial credential.

Students or parents who have questions or are wondering where to start can contact Andy Shaw, LCAN Coordinator.  Email lenaweecan@lenaweecf.com, visit us online at www.lenaweecan.org or follow us on Facebook.

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