Downriver Today

Michigan families of military service members interested in attending college will get a boost from organizations that are providing scholarships in their honor.  

According to a news release issued by the state government, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Community Bankers of Michigan (CBM) and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) will offer 20 students with $5,000 scholarships.

“I am proud to celebrate these scholarship awards alongside DIFS and CBM,” Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said in the release. “Scholarships afforded me the opportunity to go to college. I know the difference these resources make for these students whose family members have given so much to our nation. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and I are committed to giving Michigan students the tools they need to thrive, and to support Michigan veterans and their families." 

Members of CBM were able to gather more than $100,000 in order to provide the funding through Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that aids the families of deceased or disabled military service members.

“These students and their families have made incredible sacrifices in service to our country, and I am honored to join Michigan’s banking industry in recognizing these deserving recipients and ensuring that those who protect our country are never forgotten,” said Anita Fox, director of DIFS, in the release. 

“These scholarships are just one of the many ways Michigan’s banks support the communities they serve and DIFS is proud to join CBM in honoring and supporting Michigan’s military families,” she added.

This year Folds of Honor decided to also include first responders with educational scholarships.

“The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is proud to work alongside organizations like Folds of Honor to give back to our military families,” said Zaneta Adams, director of MVAA, said in the release. “Children and spouses of service members make sacrifices that often go unnoticed, and we must work to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed. 

"These scholarships will change the lives of Michigan students, and I applaud the efforts of Community Bankers of Michigan and Folds of Honor to make this happen,” she added.