Higher education is one of the best ways for young people to begin their careers. However, for many students in Michigan, the rising cost of college makes it very hard to achieve their dreams. Scholarships can help change that.
At LAHC, we are proud to offer one of the largest scholarship programs in the area. For over 32 years, we have been helping students build their futures by awarding Michigan scholarships for high school seniors who have worked hard and need support.
If you believe education can change lives and want to help young people reach their dreams, we invite you to learn more about our programs and how you can make a difference.
Learn more about the LAHC Scholarship Program and the Youth Leadership Bridge to College Program.
The need for scholarships in Michigan for high school seniors
College is expensive. Across the country, families struggle to afford the high tuition costs, books, housing, and other fees. Michigan is no different.
According to recent studies, the average tuition and fees for in-state public colleges in Michigan are over $16,000 per year. For private colleges, it can be even higher. And that does not even include the cost of living, transportation, or school supplies.
At the same time, wages for many Michigan families have not increased enough to keep up with these rising costs.
Many students face a terrible choice: either take on large student loans that could follow them for years, or give up their college dreams altogether.
This is why Michigan scholarships for high school seniors are so important. Scholarships can give students the financial support to attend college without a huge debt burden, opening doors to opportunity, growth, and success.
At LAHC, we understand this need and are doing everything we can to help.
About LAHC’s Scholarship Program
LAHC is proud to be recognized as a leader in higher education advocacy. Over the past three decades, our scholarship program for Michigan high school seniors has awarded nearly $2 million.
Our scholarships help students who have:
- Strong academic achievements
- Financial need
- A commitment to community service
- Leadership potential
Who can apply?
- Senior high school students living in Michigan
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Students with a minimum GPA of 3.5
- Students who demonstrate financial need
The scholarship application is open from January 13, 2025, to March 15, 2025, and must be submitted online. Late applications are not accepted.
Students must submit all required documents at once, including:
- Their most recent academic transcript
- Student Aid Index (SAI) from FAFSA
- A 500-word essay about mental health challenges and solutions
- A list of extracurricular activities and community service
Scholarship amount
The award amount varies depending on the university’s matching agreement with LAHC. After the scholarship is granted, funds are sent directly to the student’s college account.
Scholarships not only reduce the cost of education but also give students confidence and encouragement to continue their academic journey.
What is a college access program?
A college access program is a service or support system designed to help students get into and succeed in college. These programs are crucial for students who might not have access to guidance at home or school.
College access programs provide help with:
- Understanding the admissions process
- Preparing for standardized tests
- Finding and applying for financial aid
- Developing academic and personal skills
- Mentoring and building networks
Students who participate in college access programs are more likely to attend and graduate from college than their peers who do not.
Programs like LAHC’s scholarship initiative — and our Youth Leadership Bridge to College Program — are critical in helping young people from all backgrounds achieve success.
LAHC’s college access program: Youth Leadership Bridge to College
In addition to our scholarship fund, LAHC offers the Youth Leadership Bridge to College Program (YLBTCP), a free, highly valuable youth leadership program for high school students in Michigan.
The program includes:
- Resume building
- Personal branding
- Public speaking workshops
- Social media etiquette
- Community action projects
- College preparation classes
- Strategic planning and goal setting
Sessions are held weekly from April 1 to May 20, 2025, every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 5275 Kenilworth, Dearborn, MI 48126.
The goal is simple: equip young people with the leadership, academic, and life skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.
By connecting students with mentors, providing hands-on experiences, and teaching critical skills, we help our youth bridge the gap between high school and college.
Participation in leadership programs like YLBTCP gives students a strong advantage when applying for scholarships and college admissions. It shows they are serious, committed, and ready for the next step.
Preparing students for the future: Why access to higher education matters
Access to higher education is not just a personal achievement but a community investment.
When young people attend college, they:
- Earn higher incomes over their lifetime
- Have better health outcomes
- Are more engaged in their communities
- Become leaders and role models for future generations
However, without financial support and access to programs, many talented students may never reach their potential.
In Michigan, students from low-income families, minority backgrounds, and first-generation college hopefuls face the most significant challenges. Scholarships like the ones offered by LAHC give these students a fighting chance to succeed.
Investing in students today creates stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and a brighter future for all.
How you can support Michigan scholarships for high school seniors
At LAHC, we are proud of our work but know we cannot do it alone. We need community support to continue growing our scholarship fund and leadership programs.
The following are a few ways to get involved with LAHC’s work in the community.
Donate
Your financial contributions go directly toward scholarships and youth programs. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.
Volunteer
Share your time and talents with our students by volunteering as a mentor, speaker, or event helper. You can inspire the next generation.
Sponsor a scholarship
Businesses, organizations, and individuals can sponsor scholarships in their name or in honor of a loved one. This is a lasting way to support education.
Spread the word
Tell friends, family, and co-workers about LAHC’s programs. Encourage others to support our mission. The more people know about us, the more students we can reach.
When you support LAHC, you are not just giving money. You are giving hope, opportunity, and a future.
Invest in your teen’s future at LAHC
Education can transform lives, but for many students, college costs stand in the way.
At LAHC, we proudly offer Michigan scholarships for high school seniors and leadership programs that make higher education possible for students in our community. However, we cannot do it alone.
If you believe in opportunity, leadership, and building stronger communities, now is the time to act. Learn more about the LAHC Scholarship Program and Youth Leadership Bridge to College Program — and help make college dreams a reality.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or call us at 313-846-8480 to get involved and support the next generation of leaders.