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. 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).
– Returning Citizens (see the Edythe Hayden Friley & Grant A Friley Fund)
We will receive ALL applications via online ONLY. Applications must be received no later than April 1, 2026.
**If you require additional information, please refer to the website for a recorded video elaborating on the application process**
This is a link to the recording of our Scholarship Informational Meeting held on March 2, 2024. Feel free to view the recording for guidance regarding applying for MEDF Scholarships!
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).
Financial aid scholarship of $1,000 awarded to an African American female student who is graduating/has graduated from a high school in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb county who will be attending a four-year college in Michigan. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). The scholarship is renewable for three years if student maintains a 3.0 GPA in college as evidenced by college transcript – for a total scholarship amount of $4,000.
An award of $1,000 (One Thousand Dollars) annually will be granted to an African American male student applicant who meets the following criteria:1. Pursuing Higher Education; and has been accepted into a community college or a four-year college or university.
2. Commitment to Self-Improvement; and demonstrates a dedication to continuous academic and personal growth.
3. Community Upliftment; Shows a commitment to developing skills and experiences that benefit the community.Eligibility Requirements:
4. Public High School Attendance; Must have attended a public high school in the Wayne, Oakland or Macomb County area.
5. Academic and Character Progress; Can demonstrate progressive improvement in academic achievement and character.
6. GPA Requirements; Has a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or provides an explanation for any deficiencies
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.
The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial scholarships or grants in the amount of $1,000.00 to students pursuing academic or career pathways within STEMM fields (Science,Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine). Awards shall be made to applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria:
In addition, the applicant’s personal essay, submitted as part of the admission or scholarship application, must clearly articulate:
a. the applicant’s motivation for pursuing a STEMM field;
b. the applicant’s future professional goals within that field; and
c. the impact the applicant aspires to make within the African American community
4-year merit scholarship to a Detroit Public Schools Community District high school student who has been accepted to and will attend a two year or four year college and can demonstrate community service.
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 $1,000 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). This scholarship is renewable if the student maintains the GPA requirements.
Scholarship awarded to member of Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc who attends Wayne State University.
Awarded to a student that resides in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties that is at least a sophomore in a four-year college or university. (Graduating high school seniors are not eligible)
Must currently be enrolled in a jazz studies program at Wayne
State University, Michigan State University or the University of Michigan as an undergraduate or graduate.
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.
Scholarship awarded to children or grand/children of financial members of Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Applicant must be enrolled and matriculating as an undergraduate or graduate college/university student with a min. 2.5 GPA (on 4.0 scale) with evidence of community service within last 12 months via recommendation letter from nonprofit organization discussing applicant’s service.
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.
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
• Academic achievements (GPA, coursework).
• Relevance and clarity of their essay response.
• Leadership and community involvement.
• Potential for future contributions to law, technology, or business.
Renewability:
• The scholarship may be renewable annually for up to 4 years, contingent upon having a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continued study in one of the eligible fields.
A $500 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.
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.
Financial assistance awarded to African American men who are returning citizens. Funds must be used for academic advancement, housing and/or transportation.
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:
Background
Established in 2016, The Rev. Dr. Joseph R. Jordan Memorial 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 to a minister or pastor serving in a Baptist church who is seeking to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution. Pastor Jordan served as a president of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity, Inc. He was 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:
The fund will provide a stipend to a Baptist minister or pastor that is attending an accredited institution for the purposes of obtaining a degree in theology, religion or some other discipline that relates to, or will assist in, ministry and/or pastoring. Candidates should demonstrate how their ministry advocates social justice and demonstrates concern for the welfare of others.
Two Letters of Support – Attach two letters of recommendation: one from counselor or advisor and one from the President, Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity, Inc. and confirms membership in the organization
An award in the amount of $500.00 (Five Hundred Dollars and 00/100) will be awarded to a Detroit resident who:
– Is committed to developing skills and experience that will promote the health and well-being of children and senior citizens in the City of Detroit and beyond;
– Is a student pursuing higher education at:
– (i) community college pursuing an associate degree; (ii) 4-year college or university pursuing a Bachelors, Masters’ or terminal degrees.
The scholarship is renewable for three years – for a total scholarship of $1,500.00 if the student applies annually by submitting proof of enrollment and class schedules.
Eligibility for Applicants
a. Proof of residence in the city of Detroit.
b. Proof of working for a Detroit-based entity in your field of interest (i.e. a letter from the owner, operator of day care center, nursing facility or organization delivering services to those populations).
c. Proof of:
i. acceptance into an educational institution and/or certification program with a curriculum focused on childcare development, education, or senior care (“Program”).
Application Requirements
a. MEDF Application Form
b. Copy of Driver’s License
c. Essay (up to 5-minute video or 2 pages type written and double-spaced in length) addressing:
i. Why this work is important to you?
ii. What drives you (personally or professionally) to do the work that you do?
iii. If you receive this scholarship, what is the impact you want to have?
An award in the amount of $750.00 (Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars and 00/100) will be awarded to an African American male law student who:
Additional consideration will be given to members of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. but membership in Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. it is NOT required to apply.
The scholarship is renewable for two years for a total of $1,500.00 if the student applies annually by submitting proof of enrollment and class schedules.
Application Requirements:
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:
The application is Google form. It will require you to sign in to submit application.
ONLINE APPLICATION for General Scholarships
