important dates

[ view all important dates ]

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering at CAYF is an excellent way to help us serve the youth in our community.

join our mailing list

enter your information below to be added to our mailing list.

Social Links

"I have been driven to work in any capacity that would help to solve serious social ills. Furthering my education has always been the foundation on which I've based my plan to accomplish this goal. Education is freedom and in all of its forms, not just academia, it is very important to me. Because of the CAYF, during and after college, I have been free to focus on my studies and volunteer my free time instead of taking a job. I have been a tutor, served as a cheer coach, and worked with abused and neglected children among other civic engagements. This is so important to me because I have been so blessed to have so many wonderful people, CAYF included, to take an interest in my self-development and my education. It has been only through the grace of GOD and my focus that I have not been a victim to environmental circumstances that were out of my control. I plan to one day give back to the Foundation more than I have received." - Russella Davis, Howard University, 2003

Kathy Almansoob 2010 CAYF New Scholar

Featured Resources

[ view all scholars resources ]

About the Scholars Program

The core program of the Coleman Young Foundation (CAYF) is the Scholars Program that:

Awards college scholarships
Facilitates Scholars' success
Creates future leadership

CAYF scholarships are for $5,000 per year for four years of college. Thus, the total value of the award is up to $20,000 for the student who completes his or her degree.

CAYF has a proven history of successfully graduating students at a rate far exceeding state and national levels. The 85-90% retention rate of the CAYF Scholar Program betters the average college retention rate by more than 30 points.

Since 1986, CAYF has awarded more than four million dollars to more than four hundred students. Currently, the Foundation supports 26 Scholars enrolled in colleges and universities in Michigan and elsewhere in the nation.

During their undergraduate years, Scholars receive support and guidance from CAYF staff members who assist scholars with school and life challenges. Staff members work with Financial Aid officers and Academic Advisers on behalf of scholars who need assistance.

CAYF staff call and email Scholars at least twice a week. In addition, Scholars at Michigan universities attend dinners with CAYF staff and alumni who offer advice and encouragement. Scholars also receive assistance in finding summer jobs, applying to graduate school, and career planning.

During the summer before the freshman year, CAYF Scholars attend the Summer Enrichment Program. This program is designed to ease the change from living at home to college life with all its challenges.

In return, Scholars are expected to give back to the Foundation by helping in the office and with CAYF events, and by improving their own community through volunteer and mentorship activities.