2025 Lake Trust Foundation Scholarship Recipients

The Lake Trust Foundation awarded scholarships to five Michigan students. Each year, the Lake Trust Foundation awards two types of scholarships: the New Beginnings Scholarship and the Michigan Impact Scholarship to help support the educational and career goals of Michigan students. The New Beginnings Scholarship offers up to $7,500 for recipients to use toward tuition, fees, supplies, books, and more costs that support their education. The Michigan Impact Scholarship, created through a partnership with Cleary University, awards one student up to four years of tuition at Cleary University.

Meet the 2025 Lake Trust Foundation Scholarship recipients!

Gracie S. | Dental Hygiene | New Beginnings Scholarship

A visit at a free health clinic in her community inspired her to become a dental hygienist. And give back to her community. A caring professional who gave their skill and time to help people who didn’t have insurance or couldn’t afford care was an inspiration. “It felt so good to be assured that my teeth were okay and to have them looked at by a kind professional,” says Gracie, “that led me to really want to help others through my daily work, and to give back in the same way.”

Gracie, who plans to use the Lake Trust Foundation scholarship to attend a local dental hygiene program, says, “this scholarship means so much to me as it will be able to help me afford a good education,” she says, “and afford more time to focus more on school and have more time to study.” When she graduates, she plans to become a full-time dental hygienist working in Michigan to provide crucial and important health services. “I hope that in my free time I can also provide free services in free clinics like the woman who helped me that day.”

Austin N. | Electrician | New Beginnings Scholarship

Three generations of Austin’s family have belonged to IBEW Local 252. And he feels proud to continue his family legacy with his plans to become the fourth. Currently an apprentice who is attending the Ann Arbor Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Center, Austin will take the State of Michigan electrical test to become a journeyman when he’s completed his apprenticeship. “The union will provide my family with health care, a livable family income, a pension, a 401k,” says Austin, “and a work schedule that allows more time to spend with family.”

Austin plans to use the Lake Trust Foundation scholarship to become an electrician in his community. “This scholarship will allow me to not have to worry about the financial burdens that come with the apprenticeship such as costs for tuition, tools, dues, books, and work attire,” says Austin, “allowing me to focus on my schoolwork and perfecting my craft.” When he completes the program, he’ll have the essential skills necessary to ensure that the work he does is completed to provide safe electricity to last for years to come. And he hopes one day to become a mentor to other apprentices.

Courtney R. | Nursing | New Beginnings Scholarship

Courtney says she’s always felt called to nursing. She wants to be an advocate for patients, supporting and encouraging them through some of their most challenging times. Already a fifth-year nursing student at Northern Michigan University in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, she plans to graduate in December. “Receiving this scholarship is an amazing opportunity,” says Courtney, “allowing me to dedicate more of my time towards my studies in my final semester.”

Courtney plans to use the Lake Trust Foundation scholarship to continue her nursing education.“I plan to continue my education in nursing and become a Nurse Practitioner in the pediatric population,” she says, with hopes to open her own pediatric clinic in Michigan.

Connor J. | Welding | New Beginnings Scholarship

Drawn to welding during high school fabrication and automotive courses, Connor is currently finishing his final year at Ferris State University with a Welding Engineering Technology bachelor’s degree. “I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands,” says Connor, “but welding is what I found most enjoyable and interesting.”

Connor plans to use the Lake Trust Foundation scholarship to complete his welding education. “This scholarship means a great deal to me. The financial help will ease the burden of tuition,” says Connor, “allowing me to focus on my education.” After he graduates, Connor plans to become a certified welding inspector. And later become a mentor for others entering the trade that he’s passionate about.

Morgan M. | Business Communications | Michigan Impact Scholarship

Awarded the Michigan Impact Scholarship (which covers up to four years of tuition at Cleary University), Morgan plans to major in Business Communications at the Howell campus. For Morgan, this scholarship is more than a means to complete her education. She’s motivated by a desire to use her gifts to help those who need it. With hopes to use her communication skills for a nonprofit organization in the future.

“This scholarship has generational value and worth to me,” explains Morgan, “this ensures that I can get my full education at an esteemed university…and opportunities for my college experience that my parents didn’t have.”

Empowering future students, together. 

If you missed the 2025 Lake Trust Foundation scholarship applications, you can apply during the next round of applications. Keep an eye out for announcements in late 2025 or early 2026 about the Lake Trust Foundation scholarship program.

To support the scholarship program, and other wellbeing initiatives through the Lake Trust Foundation, consider giving a donation to our nonprofit¹. You can give a one-time contribution in any amount or set up a recurring monthly donation. Every amount helps support our Michigan communities.

¹The Lake Trust Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization EIN: 45-5332078. Donations are tax deductible as permitted by law.