Scholars Program Application

​Upload or mail required attachments such as 2018 W-2 and tax forms, letters of recommendation, and essay to the CAYF office at the following address:
 
Coleman A. Young Foundation
​7650 Second Avenue, Suite 206
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Phone 313.962.2200, Fax 313.962.2208
Note: mandatory interview and event dates: March 27, 2019; April 10 & 17, 2019; May 13, 2019
​Note: Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, March 8, 2019
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.
2019_cayf_scholarship_application.pdf
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    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 2018 W-2 and a completed and signed copy of the parent’s or guardian’s 2018 Federal Income Tax return statement, or welfare/general assistance benefits.) If you are self-supporting, please submit a copy of your 2018 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 2018 W-2 and a copy of a completed and signed 2018 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 (2018 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
    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 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: E-mailed photos must be at least 300 dpi, or minimum 375x375 pixels. PLEASE DO NOT SEND A PAPER COPY OF YOUR PHOTO.
    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.
2019 APPLICATION COLEMAN A. YOUNG FOUNDATION (CAYF) SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Coleman A. Young Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit, charitable organization founded in 1982 to develop leadership among Detroit youth through college scholarships, mentoring and other supports for personal growth and development.
 
Coleman A. Young Foundation (CAYF) Scholars Program
CAYF strives to reach as many students as possible who are confirmed to have leadership potential by teachers, guidance counselors, and community leaders, are committed to Detroit, and who may not be able to attend college without CAYF’s assistance. The Scholars Program provides academic mentoring and coaching, and counseling to all its scholars.
 
Eligibility
Applicants must be residents of Detroit who will graduate from a Detroit high school - public, private or parochial - during the award year.
Applicants also must:
  • Plan to attend a four-year accredited college or university in Michigan or an Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
  • Meet all admission requirements of the college or university.
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.
  • Demonstrate financial need (proof of annual family income is required). A 2018 W-2 Federal Income Tax form filed with IRS is required to accompany this application and must be signed by a parent or guardian. Application is not accepted without this information.
  • Complete a scholarship application and provide the required attachments.
  • Proof of residence in Detroit.

The Scholarship Award
CAYF awards scholarships of up to $5,000 annually for a maximum of $20,000 over four or five years to eligible graduating high school seniors. Funds must be used to pay for expenses related to attending college including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and transportation.

Notification of Finalists
Scholar semi-finalist notifications will be delivered via e-mail and postal service on March 20, 2019. Semi-finalists must participate in an interview process. Interview rounds are scheduled throughout the day on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 and at assigned times on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, and Wednesday, April 17, 2019. All interview dates are mandatory. Conflicts with the interview dates must be made known in writing at the time your application is submitted. Scholarship recipients must attend the 2019 Annual Awards Experience on May 13, 2019, at MGM Grand Detroit.
 
Renewal of Awards
Scholarship awards of up to $5,000 per year are renewable for a maximum of $20,000 over 4 or 5 years. Recipients must continue to 1) demonstrate financial need, 2) maintain satisfactory academic performance, 3) demonstrate their ability to succeed, with proper tutoring, counseling and guidance, and 4) maintain a high level of community commitment and involvement.
CHECKLIST – The CAYF Scholars program application becomes complete and valid only when you have submitted all of the following material in one package (please review this checklist carefully):  
                        
The Completed Application Form must be accompanied by the following ATTACHMENTS:
1.  Statement of need declaration
2.  Proof of family income (2018 W-2 and 2018 Federal Tax Return; or a statement of welfare)
3.  Proof of Residency in the city of Detroit.
4.  Resume
5.  Essay
 6.  An official transcript of grades and either the ACT or SAT results.
7.  Three letters of recommendation (see “Letters of Recommendation” rules on page 3).
8. A cap & gown photo (see “Cap & Gown Photo” instructions on page 3).
 
If you are submitting a hard copy of the application, all supporting materials must be submitted together in one package to CAYF, postmarked no later than Friday, March 8, 2019, to:
 
Scholar Program Manager
Coleman A. Young Foundation
7650 Second Avenue, Suite 206
Detroit, Michigan 48202

No facsimiles will be accepted.