2026 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 2026 Lake Trust Foundation Scholarship recipients!

Lucille B. | Business | Michigan Impact Scholarship

Awarded the Michigan Impact Scholarship (which covers up to four years of tuition at Cleary University) Lucille will major in Business Communications at Cleary then plans to attend law school. One of Lucille’s goals is to graduate from college debt-free and the scholarship from the Lake Trust Foundation has helped make that possible for the next step on her journey.

Lucille plans to use her passion for business law to help Michigan business owners achieve their dreams. “Starting a business, or having legal issues for an existing business, can be stressful,” Lucille explains, “I want to help take some of that stress away so they can focus on their business, their passions, and the customers they serve.”

Wajeeha A. | Nursing | New Beginnings Scholarship

Awarded the New Beginnings Scholarship, Wajeeha plans to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Oakland University. Following a curiosity for science and math, Wajeeha was inspired by the stories of hero nurses who stood up for their patients against all odds. “I believe nursing is my true calling,” Wajeeha explains, “My goal is to become a skilled and compassionate nurse who can combine scientific knowledge with empathy and advocacy.”

Wajeeha is driven by the responsibility to achieve success and find solutions for financing her education. “As the oldest daughter in an immigrant family, I feel that it is my responsibility to help ease the burden on my parents,” Wajeeha says, “This scholarship brings me one step closer to achieving my goals. While honoring the sacrifices that my parents made for me and my siblings.”

Rosa B. | Electrician | New Beginnings Scholarship

Awarded the New Beginnings Scholarship, Rosa is currently working through an apprenticeship, focusing on commercial and industrial builds with plans to earn a Master Electrician License. While working toward additional levels of certifications.

Determined and ready to take on challenges, Rosa is balancing a heavy workload along with ongoing education. The Lake Trust Foundation scholarship will help reduce the financial strain and allow her to achieve her dreams. “I aspire to be the kind of electrician who not only delivers quality work,” Rosa explains, “but who mentors our brothers and sisters entering the trade and contributes to projects that strengthen our communities.”

Seunghun (Ted) P. | Electrician | New Beginnings Scholarship

As someone who enjoys solving complex problems, Ted finds electrical work both challenging and satisfying. Awarded the New Beginnings Scholarship, his goal is to use the education and experience to create an opportunity for stable, long-term work in Michigan, saying, “It’s a good way for me to take care of my family and build a future in this community.”

Currently in an apprenticeship, Ted plans to complete the Electrical Technology degree at Jackson College and earn certifications in areas like fire alarm systems. Long-term, Ted would like to open a smart home and building automation business that Michiganders can trust. “I like that Lake Trust supports local students who want to give back to the community,” says Ted, “that is exactly what I plan to do.”

Elijah S. | Automotive Marketing and Management | New Beginnings Scholarship

Currently the owner of a local business, Elijah plans to use the New Beginnings Scholarship to complete the Automotive Marketing and Management degree from Northwood University and continue growing business opportunities in Michigan. “Having formal education on business operations and management will help me scale my small business,” Elijah explains, “and provide jobs for my community.”

Elijah applied for the Lake Trust Foundation scholarship to help ease the financial strain of running and investing in a business while attending school. “This scholarship means the world to me,” Elijah says, “it will be so impactful for me to prepare for my future.”

Empowering future students, together. 

If you missed the 2026 Lake Trust Foundation scholarship applications, you could apply during the next round of applications. Keep an eye out for announcements in late 2026 or early 2027 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.