Scholars & Educators

Featured Story - Treasure Roberts (CAYF Scholar)

Treasure Roberts, CAYF Scholar supported by Comerica Charitable Foundation, learned about a competitive fellowship program through a text from a friend. She gave it a shot, got selected, and spent her summer in New York City, interning with the production team at NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.

Her duties included fact-checking and researching stories that were reported during the top-rated evening program. One major result of her hard work is a news reel that showcases her talent, but also boasts a stamped signature of approval from the network.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

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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.

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.

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