“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
Building Bridges Across Borders: A New Fund Creates Opportunities for Global Connection
Join us in celebrating the launch of the John and Martha Kaczynski Bay City–Ansbach Sister City Fund, honoring the 65th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Bay City, Michigan, and Ansbach, Germany.
Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation receives $20,000 Grant to Support Community Foundation Access and Opportunity Grant Program
“We are excited to once again partner with the United Way of Bay County as we work together to provide this opportunity to the education sector. Following the success of the pilot program, Lifted Voices: Navigating the Challenges Facing ALICE Youth, we will once again primarily focus on the education sector for training in the program.” Shawna Walraven, President & CEO, Bay Area Community Foundation.
Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation Expands Bay Commitment Scholarship to Provide More Flexible, Long-Term Support for First-Generation Students
Beginning with the 2026 scholarship cycle, the Bay Commitment Scholarship will continue to provide an initial $2,000.00 scholarship, but the award will now be renewable for up to four years. The scholarship now has a value totaling up to $4,250.00.
Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation to Honor Michael Hanisko and Ellen Charlebois at 2026 Faces of Philanthropy Celebration
During the biennial event, Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko will receive the Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment Award, the Foundation’s highest recognition honoring individuals whose commitment to serving others has strengthened the Bay County community.
Need assistance? We’re here to
answer your scholarship and
application questions.
989.893.4438
Aaron Faist - Program Officer
I oversee our scholarship programs, Youth Advisory Committee, Men’s Philanthropy Group, and Dow Community Gives grant program.
I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.
