More than 200 students across Northeast Michigan received $615,162 in financial support for the next chapter of their lives, and a powerful vote of confidence from their communities.
The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) and its Affiliate Foundations awarded scholarships to students pursuing higher education, skilled trades, medical school, and specialized training programs.
For many students, a scholarship can ease the financial burden of tuition, books, tools, housing, and other educational expenses. Just as importantly, it serves as a reminder that people in their hometowns believe in their potential and want to help them succeed.
Of the amount awarded, 92 students in the four-county region of Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle received scholarships totaling $313,750.
“The impact of these scholarships reaches far beyond a single school year,” says CFNEM Program Director Jennifer Dingman. “By helping students pursue careers in fields ranging from healthcare and agriculture to welding, plumbing, the arts, and countless other professions, these awards are strengthening the future of our communities.”
What makes these awards possible is the generosity of donors who chose to create scholarship funds as a lasting legacy. Through endowed funds established by individuals, families, and businesses, generations of local students continue to receive opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Each scholarship reflects the values and passions of the donor who created it. While some recognize academic achievement, many also celebrate service, leadership, extracurricular involvement, career interests, and community engagement. The result is a scholarship program that supports students with a wide variety of talents, goals, and dreams.
Students receiving scholarships are from across the Community Foundation’s nine-county service area, which includes Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan (and Mackinaw City), Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Presque Isle Counties. This service area includes CFNEM and three affiliate foundations: Iosco County Community Foundation, North Central Michigan Community Foundation, and Straits Area Community Foundation.
See a full list of 2026 scholarship recipients
Scholarship applications for the 2027 season for the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and its Affiliate Foundations will be open in early January.
The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan is a nonprofit charitable organization committed to providing people who care about the future of our area with unique and effective ways of supporting their community now, and for generations to come.
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