Michigan Ross Offers Scholarships to Students From the Upper Peninsula Through a New Program at U-M

As part of a new effort to attract students from all areas of the state, the Ross School of Business will be awarding students from the Upper Peninsula scholarships through a new program at the University of Michigan.   

The U.P. Scholars Program, which is housed within the Scholarship Office at the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, will provide wrap-around financial, academic, professional, and social support for students from the U.P. who are considering attending U-M. The inaugural cohort will start in fall 2020.

“We are excited to be able to provide access to significant scholarship funds to students from the U.P. through this new program,” said Norm Bishara, associate dean of Undergraduate Programs at Michigan Ross. “As we consider new ways to recruit a diverse set of talented students from across the state of Michigan and beyond, the financial support made possible by the U.P. Scholars Program will assist us in those important efforts.” 

In addition to innovative scholarship support for tuition and other expenses, the U.P. Scholars Program will offer students peer mentorship, career and academic guidance from professional staff, and a strong cohort of fellow students. The initiative also is designed to break down some of the obstacles students face and misconceptions they may have about campus life at U-M.

“We’ve heard from students from the Upper Peninsula that they may be hesitant to apply to U-M due to the distance, perceived cultural differences, and financial barriers,” said Cheyenne Marlin, Assistant Director of the U.P. Scholars Program. “Our goal with this program is to change those perceptions and address these challenges. We want all students to have access to all of the resources and opportunities available to them so they can thrive here. No matter where you’re from in the state of Michigan, you belong at U-M.”

Members of the Michigan Ross admissions team will work with LSA and the Office of Financial Aid to identify scholarship recipients. The first cohort of U.P. Scholars will be selected from among newly admitted U-M students based on financial need, academic and personal achievement, leadership qualities, and commitment to service. The program is currently working with high schools in the U.P. to raise awareness about the program.

The U.P. Scholars Program is just one of many resources offered by Michigan Ross to enhance student success and reach a diverse body of prospective students. Another example is All-Access Weekend, which is geared toward rising high school juniors from historically underrepresented groups, including first-generation college students, limited-income families, and certain geographic regions. During All-Access Weekend, student scholars are able to tour campus and the Ann Arbor community, engage in action-based learning experiences, and hear from current students on what it’s like to attend a top-ranked business school. Michigan Ross covers student costs to attend the weekend-long program.

Learn more about the U.P. Scholars Program