The cost of higher education is skyrocketing nationwide. Currently, it costs $45,000 per year for an out-of-state student to attend the University of Michigan. Unfortunately, many gifted students never set foot on campus because their families do not have the financial resources to make their goal of attending Michigan a reality. They may choose to attend other institutions that offer more competitive financial aid packages. Those who do attend borrow more than students at any other Big Ten school, borrow from private lenders at high interest rates, take longer to graduate, and are more likely to drop out because of the financial strain. When they graduate with excessive debt, their career choices are hindered based on the need for repayment.
For many years the University of Michigan Club of Greater Boston (UMCGB) has maintained a merit-based scholarship fund with the Office of Financial Aid. Contributions made from local alumni for scholarships as well as activities organized by the UMCGB to raise money for scholarships are directed into this fund.
In 1995, the UMCGB named this fund in honor of a retiring founder and board member, J. Lee Steffenhagen. The fund is designated for continuing students at the University of Michigan who are in need of financial assistance. A very strong emphasis is also placed on academic achievement and campus/community involvement.
To Apply
Qualified applicants are current U-M students from Massachusetts and Rhode Island with a grade point average of 2.8 and above. These students will be contacted directly by the Office of Financial Aid during the Spring semester. Application materials and instructions will be sent directly to the students. The application deadline date will be noted in the application instructions.
Amount
The number of awards and amount awarded varies year-to-year but recently has been between $1000 and $2500.
Donations to the Scholarship Fund
The UMCGB Scholarship Fund is administered by the University of Michigan. Donations made directly to our scholarship fund are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. The club maintains two funds with the University — an expendable fund and an endowment. Gifts to the expendable fund are immediately available to be awarded to students. Gifts to the endowed fund are invested in the University’s endowment and develops a longterm source of funding for future awards.
To Donate Online:
Boston U. of M. Club Scholarship – 306650
Donations made to this fund are expendable. A gift is immediately available to be awarded as scholarship funds, having an immediate, however short-term impact. Scholarship support for students.
University of Michigan Club of Greater Boston Lee Steffenhagen Scholarship Fund – 700130
Donations made to this fund buy-in to the University endowment. Only interest from this gift is awarded as scholarships, providing a more long-term impact. Need-based scholarship support for students from the Greater Boston area.
To Donate by Check:
Please write your check out to the “University of Michigan.” Please also enclose a letter indicating your name, address, and daytime phone number, along with which fund you want to support. In this case, write down “Boston U-M Club Scholarship Fund, Fund 306650.” Please mail your check and letter to:
Alumni Association of the University of Michigan200 Fletcher StreetAnn Arbor, MI 48109
Recent Scholarship Recipients
2016: Lingene Yang2015: Michael Henry2014: Ramon Gloumakov2013: Christopher Coyne & Jonathan Levine2012: Meital Haas & Stephen Sylvia2009: Brandon Grimes & Alexander Nestorov
Questions about the UMCGB Scholarship Fund?
Please contact the UMCGB Scholarship Co-Chairs at [email protected].
The University of Michigan and the UMCGB thank you for your support. GO BLUE!