article courtesy of Morning Sun
A new Alma College scholarship program geared toward community engagement is now available to Gratiot County high school students.
Alma College will award four-year, full-tuition scholarships to 10 area students every year as part of its Community Engagement Scholarship Program.
“This new program will enable outstanding students from Gratiot County the opportunity to receive an Alma education that will prepare them for leadership opportunities and a great career,” said Alma College President Jeff Abernathy in a statement Thursday.
ACE Scholars will be active in community service throughout Gratiot County meeting community needs while gaining career skills and experience.
Graduating seniors from Gratiot County or Gratiot County high schools may now apply for the scholarship, which is funded directly by the college.
High school seniors interested in the program must apply for admission to Alma College, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and complete an ACE Scholarship application that includes an essay “to describe your vision for community involvement while enrolled at Alma College.”
The deadline for applications is Jan. 1, with selection and announcement of the ACE Scholars made by March 1.
The scholarships will be renewed each year of enrollment, provided all program requirements are met, for a total of four years.
Community service is a major component of the ACE Scholars Program, which rewards community involvement that students demonstrated in high school, but also supports continuing community service and leadership roles.
During the scholars’ four years at Alma College, they will volunteer with local agencies, serve as Community Engagement Ambassadors, attend workshops and professional development conferences and participate in service/leadership student organizations.
Alma Public Schools superintendent spoke during a press conference Thursday announcing the program, along with Abernathy, Sen. Judy Emmons and Gratiot-Isabella RESD superintendent Jan Amsterburg.
“Many of our students are active and engaged in community, church and local non-profit organizations, but then they graduate and cannot afford a college education or they leave our area to attend school in another community,” Ingersoll said. “The ACE program opens a way for some of these students to enroll at Alma College and continue their community involvement.”
She also said many Alma High School students are involved in some way with a community service organization such as the United Way or Rotary Club.
“Because it’s a collaboration, it’s equally important for us to pursue student who will benefit from this opportunity,” Ingersoll said.
Abernathy said the college’s Center for Student Opportunity will guide the students through their college education and provide beneficial experiences outside the classroom, including alternative breaks, service projects and internships.
By 2021, four classes of ACE Scholars will be engaged in the program, representing a $1.5 million investment by Alma College in the education of Gratiot County students.
