The 2025 Coleman A. Young Foundation Scholarship Application
​is due Friday, February 28, 2025.
Upload or mail required attachments such as 2024 W-2 and tax forms, letters of recommendation, and essay to the CAYF office at the following address:
 
Coleman A. Young Foundation
8425 W. McNichols Rd
Madame Cadillac Building #248
Detroit, Michigan 48221
Phone 313.962.2200, Fax 313.962.2208
Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, February 28, 2025

Mandatory Interview and Event Dates:
March 19, 2025 (Interviews, 1st round)
​April 2, 2025 (Interviews, 2nd round)
April 9, 2025 (Interviews, final round)

Acceptance and participation in the CAYF Scholars Program is the same for everyone without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability or sexual preference.
​Coleman A. Young Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit, charitable organization with the Federal identification number
38-2400801. Donations can be made payable to Coleman A. Young Foundation. Michigan charitable license to solicit MICS 8599.
2025 Scholarship Application (download)
2025_cayf_scholarship_application_9.25.24.pdf
File Size: 337 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

    Scholars Program - Online Application​

    Applicant Information

    College/University
    Estimate Annual Costs

    Financial Information
    ​Please list the names and ages of all siblings, and other minors, age 18 and under, in your home, as well as any other people dependent upon your parent(s) or guardian(s) [explain the dependency in the “Need Declaration” section]
    Please list both (regardless of with whom the student resides) the parents’ or guardians’ name(s), place of employment, position and title, and annual gross income (you must submit the parent’s or guardian’s 2024 W-2 and a completed and signed copy of the parent’s or guardian’s 2024 Federal Income Tax return statement, or welfare/general assistance benefits.) If you are self-supporting, please submit a copy of your 2024 W-2 form, a completed and signed copy of your federal income tax return, or a statement of SSI benefits or other welfare/general assistance benefits. If a legal independent, you must present State of Michigan authorized documentation supporting your legally independent living status.
    Max file size: 20MB
    Max file size: 20MB
    Max file size: 20MB

    Need Declaration

    On a separate page, state clearly your need for this scholarship and provide any applicable information (include details concerning dependents in household) that may be useful in understanding said need. Please list each (regardless of with whom the student resides) parent’s/guardian’s name, place of employment, position and title, and annual gross income (you must submit the parent’s or guardian’s 2024 W-2 and a copy of a completed and signed 2024 Federal Income Tax return or statement of welfare or general assistance benefit). Also list all other scholarships or financial aid you have already been awarded or expect to receive (include the name, amount and duration of each award). Please sign the statement. Remember to attach proof of family income (2024 W-2 form, and Federal Income Tax return must be signed by parent or guardian. Application is not accepted without this information.)
    Max file size: 20MB

    Attachments

    Activities, Awards, and Honors

    ​Provide a resume that includes all school, employment, community and ecumenical activities in which you have participated and received recognition during your high school career.
    Max file size: 20MB

    Essay

    Write an original essay, typed, double-spaced with your first and last name on each page, numbered, no more than four pages in length that answers or explains ALL the following inquiries:
    1. Who are you, and what are your leadership abilities and potential?
    2. How did you become interested in your chosen field of study?  
    3. Why is college attendance important?
    4. How will you contribute to Detroit’s growth and development after earning your degree?
    5. Discuss two examples of Mayor Coleman A. Young’s leadership record, personality and/or level of professionalism that you feel you share.
    6. Describe a significant event in the career of Coleman A. Young as Mayor of the City of Detroit that affects you and/or your family. Clearly explain how and why this event is significant to you.
     
    Sign the essay and upload it below.
    Max file size: 20MB

    Cap & Gown Photo

    Submit a cap & gown photo with this application. Note: Photos must be at least 300 dpi, or minimum 375 x 375 pixels. PLEASE DO NOT SEND A PAPER COPY OF YOUR PHOTO.
    Repeated failure to deliver a photo useful enough for print may result in disqualification.
    ​
    Max file size: 20MB

    Letters of Recommendation

    ​Please submit with this application three letters of recommendation. Rules: All recommendation letters must be on letterhead. One letter must be from your high school counselor or an instructor, and must appear on official school letterhead. One must be from an individual who is not associated with the high school. Letters should provide as much insight as possible about you, including your history and your leadership potential.
    Max file size: 20MB
    Max file size: 20MB
    Max file size: 20MB

    Transcript Information

    Official transcripts are provided in a sealed envelope with the registrar’s/principal’s signature stamped across the document. Paper copies should remain in an unopened and sealed envelope until it is presented to the Coleman A. Young Foundation (CAYF). High schools should issue official transcripts to the student.

    Submit an official copy of your high school transcript and have the following section completed by the guidance counselor:

    Certification

    By clicking submit, I certify that all of the information on this form is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. If asked by Coleman A. Young Foundation (CAYF), I agree to provide proof of the information I have given on this application. I realize that if I do not provide proof when asked, I will not be considered for a scholarship.