“I have a dream.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Inspired by the belief that love and peaceful protest can eliminate social, political, and economic injustice, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., became this nation’s most heralded civil right leader. He aroused blacks and whites alike to protest racial discrimination, war, and poverty. A champion of nonviolent resistance to oppression, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. King’s life ended at the age of 39 on April 4, 1968, when he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. However short his life was, he greatly advanced the cause of civil rights in this nation. His life serves as an encouragement to each of us to do all that we can to end injustice.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Scholarships are awarded each year to Bay County high school seniors (regardless of ethnicity) who actively embrace Dr. King’s dream of improving racial harmony and social justice. The scholarship award(s) will be at least $1,000 and are non-renewable. The scholarship award(s) will be presented at the annual Great Lakes Bay Regional Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration program held each January.
This scholarship is also available to Midland and Saginaw County students through their respective community foundations.
Application Period September 1 – October 31 Each Year
Log in to the application via the link below and search for “MLK Regional Scholarship” to begin the application.
Note: you will be redirected to the Midland Area Community Foundation’s website for the application. Once you create an account, it may take up to two business days for your new registration to be approved before access to the application will be allowed.
- Must be a high school senior in Bay, Midland, or Saginaw County, Michigan (regardless of ethnicity)
- Have a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Must have plans to attend a 2-year and/or 4-year degree-granting academic or vocational program
Write a one-page essay that demonstrates how you have actively engaged in activities and efforts to make Dr. King’s “Dream” of equality a reality, and what you will do in the future to keep Dr. King’s “Dream” alive. (Essay tab)
Provide two letters of recommendation- should not include family members, but individuals who are significantly aware of the student’s accomplishments. (Submission tab)
Provide evidence of direct involvement in activities that are aimed at bridging the gap between the races, promoting racial harmony and equality, and improving awareness and understanding of cultural diversity. (Activities tab)
Provide a copy of your academic transcript (to be uploaded on the Submission tab)
Submit the completed electronic application by October 31.
Participate in all events and activities associated with this scholarship program.
You will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Your essay in terms of originality, awareness of Dr. King’s life, and the realistic outcome of your essay’s idea(s)
- Your two letters of recommendation
- Your awards/honors related to accomplishments in leadership and improving racial harmony
- Your activities related to leadership, commitment, and impact
Scholarship Stories
MLK Celebration Featuring Keynote Speaker Melissa Harris-Perry
Courage, perseverance, unity, and sacrifice. These are the values Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. espoused in pursuit of democracy for all. Values that
Illuminating Pathways to a Brighter Future: Ocean-Lea Schrader
Growing up in an environment where hard work was valued, Ocean-Lea Schrader learned the importance of perseverance. She shares, “If
Elevating Early Childhood Care in Bay County: Bay County ARPA Childcare Grant Program
At the Bay Area Community Foundation (BACF), we believe in the power of community, collaboration and change. Today, we’re sharing
Impact in Focus: 10 Questions with Our New Trustees – Matt Travis
I’m interested in helping others – this is what gets me out of bed in the morning. I’m eager to
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Aaron Faist - Program Officer
I am the program officer that oversees the Youth Advisory Committee, Men’s Philanthropy Group, and our scholarship program.
Madi Syring - Program Associate
I am primarily focused on providing support for our local scholarship programs and connecting Bay and Arenac youth with opportunities to further their education.