MEDF funds a number of scholarships for college students who are or who will be matriculating at various colleges and universities as well as working professionals and community leaders expanding their education. All applications are to be completed online.
If you want to donate to a scholarship, see donation button below.
The purpose of MEDF’s scholarship and fund opportunities is to provide financial resources for college students who are or who will be matriculating at various colleges and universities.
The criteria for Scholarships is described below as well as in the General application. Please pay special attention to ALL requirements.
MEDF also has specific funds (see descriptions at the bottom of the page) specifically for:
– Teachers (see the Joyce Gallant Literacy Fund)
– Pastors working on social justice (see the Rev. Dr. Joseph R. Jordan Fund)
– 2nd yr law students (see the Joseph M. White Legal Legacy Fund)
– Those working in child care & development, and senior care (see the Effie J. Weathers Intergenerational Fund).
We will receive ALL applications via online ONLY. Applications must be received no later than April 7, 2023.
March 4, 2023 – Zoom Information Session from 9a – 10a – ZOOM
April 7, 2023 – Scholarships Application Deadline
May 15, 2023 – Scholarship Award Notifications
This is a link to the recording of our Scholarship Informational Meeting held on February 26, 2022. Feel free to view the recording to get tips for applying to the MEDF Scholars program!
Stipend awarded to a single mother enrolled in a college or university. Award must be used to assist with payment of childcare expenses. Applicants will need to provide documentation from childcare provider with their application.
Scholarship that will support an African American student who attended high school in the Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb County and has been accepted to and will attend a trade/technical school or a two- or four-year college. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
Merit scholarship for African American student (male or female) who: (i) is from or resides in Metro Detroit area (preferably Wayne County); (ii) registered to attend Eastern Michigan University in undergraduate or graduate studies; and (iii) has a 2.7 GPA (out of 4.0) or above
Merit scholarship of $500 for up to four (4) full-time students matriculating at Eastern Michigan University who are members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Delta Beta Chapter. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
The Kay Francis Hawthorne Hopkins Scholarship Fund is for a college student majoring in Education at a 4 year HBCU. They must have a 3.3 GPA, African-American Detroit Resident. The scholarship will be awarded to 1 female and 1 male at $1000 each. Must provide a 400-600 word essay on, “Why I decided to go into education and the impact I hope to make on future scholars”. This scholarship is renewable if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA, and 30 hours of community service evidenced by a letter from an administrator, on the organizational letterhead.
A $2,000 book scholarship award to be paid over a four (4) year period at $500 each year to be awarded to students who have been active participants in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Detroit Alumnae Chapter GEMS youth program for at least 3 years.
Scholarship criteria is as follows: Applicants must have a 3.2GPA (on a 4.0 scale), graduating high school senior with an acceptance letter confirming admittance into a two or four year college, submit an essay with details of community service, Two letters of recommendation – (1) from a school official and (1) from a member of DST – DAC
Merit scholarship of $500 that will assist an African American student actively enrolled in the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University. Applicant must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
Merit scholarship of $1,000 that will assist an African American student actively enrolled in Wayne State University’s College of Nursing. Applicant must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
Merit scholarship that will assist an African American student majoring in English or journalism at a Historically Black College or University. Applicant must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
Scholarship for a Michigan high school senior with a GPA ranging from 2.75 to 3.4 who will attend a 4-year college/university.
Award to matriculating college student who is a current member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated at a Michigan college and is majoring in Business, Technology, Science or Engineering
Merit scholarship in memory of Dr. Puryear to assist a Detroit resident accepted into a masters or post masters’ degree program in Educational Leadership or Education Administration.
A $100 book scholarship awarded to two student applicants that attend Plymouth Congregational Church (Plymouth United Church of Christ), located at 600 East Warren in Detroit.
Merit scholarship of $1,200 that will assist an African American student who lives in or is actively enrolled in a metro Detroit (Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb county) area college or university and who maintains an overall GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). Applicant must write a 300-500 word essay on the topic, “How My Academic Pursuits Will Help Me Positively Impact My Community,” which should also include a brief description of his or her community service involvement.
Book award of $500 given to assist students actively enrolled in a college or university. This fund provides financial assistance to students who have shown uncommon determination to overcoming obstacles impeding the pursuit of education and preparation for life. The scholarship will be awarded to applicants with diabetes, deceased parents, or are living in a single parent home. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and submit a personal statement describing the challenges they have overcome or difficulties they are working to address.
Scholarship to be awarded to an Education Major who has been accepted to a Historical Black College/University; Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Award amount – $1,000
Financial aid scholarships awarded to students actively enrolled in and attending Wayne County Community College and pursuing an Associate’s degree or completing a certification program. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Applicant must write a 300-500 word essay on the topic, “How My Academic Pursuits Will Help Me Positively Impact My Community,” which should also include a brief description of his or her community service involvement. The applying student must have two letters of recommendation; one should be from a college counselor, and the other should be from a teacher, administrator, community leader, or mentor.
This grant is available to African American female classroom teachers in Detroit Public Schools Community District who teach in grades K-6. This fund is used to promote teaching and learning around literacy. Two (2) $500 grants will be awarded to:
Established in 2016, The Rev. Dr. Joseph Ralph Jordan endowment fund was established by family members and friends to perpetuate the legacy of a beloved pastor and community leader. The fund will provide a stipend of $1,000 to a senior pastor that is seeking to obtain a graduate degree at an accredited institution. The applicant must be a member of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity, Inc., an organization where Rev. Jordan served as a president. Rev. Jordan served as the Senior Pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church in Hamtramck for over 40 years from 1973-2004. While he was married with a family, in the early years of his pastorate he was bi vocational and supplemented his income as a licensed electrician. He was committed to education and ultimately obtained a doctorate degree from Drew University in New Jersey.
CRITERIA:
This grant is available to support those that are committed to developing skills and experience that will promote the health and well-being of children and senior citizens in the city of Detroit. This fund will support professional development, certification and advanced educational opportunities for those working in Detroit in the fields of child care and educational development and elder care. Each award will be $500.
The purpose of the Joseph M. White, Esq. Legal Legacy Scholarship is to support African American law students that are pursuing legal careers that will positively impact the African American community. This scholarship is for 2nd year law students attending an ABA accredited law school, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., and born and/or raised in Detroit or Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Each award will be $750.
Below are applications and additional forms. They can be filled out and submitted online. **Please note that the Minerva Education and Development Foundation may request an interview with you as part of the application process.**
All applications must include:
