Through the Lake Trust Foundation scholarship program, we offer two opportunities: the New Beginnings Scholarship and the Michigan Impact Scholarship. Skilled trade and technical careers continue to be in high demand in Michigan and the New Beginnings Scholarship supports students entering these careers. Each scholarship is worth up to $7,500 and recipients can use the funds for books, supplies, uniforms, tolls, equipment, professional dues, or tuition at a college, university, or vocational program.
In partnership with Cleary University, our Michigan Impact Scholarship provides a full-tuition experience to the university for up to four years. Funds can be applied to any in-person or online undergraduate or graduate degree program.
It’s always an honor to announce the latest scholarship recipients and wish them well on their next chapter.
Amelia C. | Aviation Maintenance | New Beginnings Scholarship
Many members of Amelia’s family have worked in the aviation industry, and she’s excited to make her mark in the field. After dual enrolling in high school at MIAT College of Technology in Canton, she plans to return in the fall to complete her studies. Amelia is working toward her A&P license to become an aircraft mechanic. She specifically wants to work on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), a type of preventative maintenance where small parts of an aircraft are dipped in a dye penetrant and examined under a blacklight to check for cracks that may not be visible to the human eye.
“Cargo is a big part of the aviation industry, which a lot of people don’t understand, with mail, vaccines, food, and anything that helps us live our daily lives. So, I’d like to not only be able to fix planes and make sure they are safe, but also make sure everyone has what they need in their daily life,” Amelia explains.
Through her work, Amelia hopes to empower other women in the aviation industry and encourage more women to join the field. She’s a member of Women in Aviation International (WAI) and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
Elaina (Lain) E. | Nursing | New Beginnings Scholarship
Lain has worked in hospitals for the past ten years as a nurse tech/CNA. To be a more effective advocate for her patients, she’s excited to study nursing and take her career to the next level.
“I was first drawn to the medical field because I feel a calling to be there for people in their toughest moments. I've worked with people who are extremely debilitated by whatever it is that they are going through. It's a joy and an honor to be there to help them along their journey - to be a shoulder to lean on, to help them navigate the confusing times, and to be a fierce advocate when needed,” Lain says of her plans.
After having her plans paused during the pandemic and again during a medical emergency last year, Lain is looking forward to attending Montcalm Community College to continue her studies this fall. After experiencing both sides of the healthcare system as an employee and a patient, Lain hopes to be in a leadership position one day where she can work to make more positive changes in the industry.
Austin W. | Welding | New Beginnings Scholarship
When Austin first attended Eaton Regional Education Service Agency (RESA), a career preparation center, he was studying heavy equipment diesel repair. But after a welding activity during one of the course labs, he knew that he had found his calling. At the suggestion of his advisor, Austin switched his focus of study to welding. He’s done well on his journey so far and recently placed second in the state of Michigan during the SkillsUSA Regional Welding Competition.
This fall, Austin plans to continue his education at Lansing Community College to earn his associate degree. The New Beginnings Scholarship will help cover costs for tuition, materials, and laboratory fees. After graduation, Austin would like to get a job in the Lansing area. He’s considering continuing his education and eventually going into welding engineering.
Logan H. | HVAC | New Beginnings Scholarship
Growing up in a family where many people worked in skilled trade careers, Logan always knew he would pursue a similar path. He’s currently attending Lansing Community College and working toward his associate degree in HVAC technology. After he gets his degree, he plans to complete an additional 2,000 hours of training to get his Mechanical License. This certification will allow him to work in residential settings installing and repairing heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
Climate control technology is an essential background component to other advancements in science and medicine. HVAC systems make it possible to store food, create and store medicine, and make it possible to live in places that might otherwise not be habitable. And taking care of these essential systems is a way that Logan will be able to serve his community.
“I always knew that I wanted to end up in a career where I could help people. When a person’s heat or A/C goes out, it’s probably a bad day for them. Being able to help someone on one of their bad days is something I enjoy and it’s something that motivates me in the field I’m going in now.”
Summer M. | Project Management | Michigan Impact Scholarship
Summer first got the idea for her area of study through a Facebook group for her hometown. She often sees posts about ideas that people have for community improvement and new features and events that they’d like to see for young kids and families. To help bring these ideas to life, she’s attending Cleary University and working toward her Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management.
“I decided to pursue Project Management as my chosen field because I have the ability to help turn organizational vision into reality through leadership and implementation of design best-practices,” Summer explains.
With a passion for giving back, Summer is excited to use her project management skills to find new ways for people and communities to connect. The Michigan Impact Scholarship will cover her tuition costs at Cleary University and help her focus more on her studies.
Living your passion.
Everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. To fulfill their ambitions. And find their place in the world. All of us have the power to reach higher and do more. Sometimes all it takes to start is a new opportunity.
Congratulations and good luck to each of our 2023 Lake Trust Foundation scholarship recipients!