The 2025 Coleman A. Young Foundation Scholarship application is due on February 28, 2025. Applications must be submitted or postmarked by 11:59 p.m. on the due date.

    2025 Coleman A. Young Foundation Scholarship 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.

Scholars

The core program of the Coleman Young Foundation (CAYF) is the Scholars Program that:
  • Awards college scholarships
  • Facilitates Scholars' success
  • Creates future leadership

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.
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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.

By the Numbers

​
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.  

Resources
CAYF Scholar Academic Progress Report.pdf
File Size: 85 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Application Transcript Form
File Size: 319 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Check Receipt Form.pdf
File Size: 116 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Payment Request Form.pdf
File Size: 133 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Volte Scholarship - Payment Request Form
File Size: 87 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Scholarship Resource Guide
File Size: 1262 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
  

Past Scholars