Michigan GEAR UP Scholarship

Michigan GEAR UP Scholarship

Description

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a Federal program designed to provide early intervention services and programs to students in middle school and high school. Michigan GEAR UP (MI GEAR UP) targets low-income students by providing them with support services to increase their opportunity to succeed in postsecondary education.

Eligibility

  • Successful participation of the MI GEAR UP six-year program and nominated to receive an award.
  • Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalent certificate (limited to 2017 high school graduates).
  • Initiate postsecondary enrollment prior to age 22.
  • Enroll at least half-time.
  • Be a Michigan resident as determined by institutional criteria.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
  • For renewal, must meet institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
  • Not be in default on a Federal student loan.

Application Process

Only nominated MI GEAR UP participants will be eligible to be considered for a scholarship.

Nominated students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The first institution listed on the FAFSA will be considered the priority school. Students are responsible for notifying MI Student Aid of a change in their college choice. This can be done through the MiSSG Student Portal or by calling 1-888-447-2687.

Deadline

Eligible students must submit the FAFSA before the Federal deadline.

Program Limits

Selected nominees may receive a scholarship for up to four academic years to be completed within four years from the date of award.

The scholarship expires at the end of Academic Year 2020-21 (Summer 2021).

Participating Institutions

Michigan community college, public university, or degree-granting non-profit independent college.

Award Amount

The maximum award amount a student may receive is $2,000 per academic year (beginning 2019-20). The lifetime maximum award is $6,000.  

Authority

Higher Education Amendment of 1998 Public Law 105-244.

Contact:

MI Student Aid, 1-888-447-2687, mistudentaid@michigan.gov.

Forms and Information