Scholarships

Bringing your college dream within reach

Through generous donations from the community, North Central makes available a variety of scholarships. Our Scholarship Committee is dedicated to assessing the qualifications of students seeking scholarship funding. 

Types of scholarships

• North Central Foundation Scholarships  (for registered North Central students)
• North Central Presidential Scholarships (for graduating high school and home-school seniors in North Central's service area)
• North Central Tip of the Mitt Scholarship (in partnership with the Meijer Foundation)
• The JEWEL Program (Joint Endeavor for Women in Education and Leadership)

Foundation Scholarships

North Central awards a number of endowment scholarships and scholarships contributed by annual donors.

Presidential Scholarships

The Presidential Scholarship is offered to a graduating senior from each of our service area high schools and to one graduating senior from home-schooled students within our service area.  The scholarship provides full tuition and mandatory fees for four consecutive semesters immediately following high school graduation. 

Presidential Scholarship selection criteria

Choose a student type below to see specific scholarship selection criteria.

Presidential Scholarship requirements and benefits

Presidential Scholarships are offered for full tuition (up to 20 contact hours per semester), and mandatory fees for four consecutive semesters (fall and winter only). Field study fees are not included. The scholarship will be subject to the additional following conditions:

1. Scholarship recipients must register for the Fall semester immediately following their spring high school graduation.
2. Scholarship recipients are required to attend a retreat at North Central's Petoskey campus at the end of August, including a reception for scholarship recipients and their families.
3. Recipients must meet with a designated academic advisor each semester they are enrolled at North Central.
4. Recipients must register for a minimum of 12 credit hours, which count toward graduation.  Courses must be taken for credit, not audit status.
5. Scholarships may be renewed for three consecutive semesters beyond the first award provided a 3.0 minimum term GPA is maintained each semester and 75% of credit hours successfully completed.
6. Recipients must observe published College behavioral standards.
7. Scholarships are for North Central Michigan College only and not transferable.
8. Enroll in SD 135 Leadership & Service-Learning course, an in-person course that meets weekly during the first semester of the scholarship.
9. Participate in Student Senate, a student governing body at NCMC, through weekly on-campus meetings throughout the four-semester scholarship.
10. Be part of the Student Ambassador Program, which requires a training session, participating in a minimum of two events on campus each academic year, and maintaining a high standard of professionalism at all times.

Scholarship recipients must become involved in a leadership program as provided by North Central.

Tip of the Mitt Scholarship

North Central’s Tip of the Mitt Scholarship is intended for first-generation students who will graduate high school with a 2.5 or higher GPA and are unsure if they want—or how they could afford—to attend college. While first-generation students will be given preference, non-first-generation students may be considered as funding and space allow.

The scholarship covers two years (four consecutive semesters) at North Central or completion of an associate degree or certificate program, whichever comes first. It includes tuition (up to 20 contact hour/semester), mandatory fees, and $300 for books purchased through the College Bookstore. The scholarship can also be used for summer courses. Other forms of financial aid will be applied first.

Tip of the Mitt Scholarship: Eligibility Criteria

• Seniors attending high school or homeschooling in the NCMC service area. For details, please contact NCMC Student Services at 231-348-6605.
• First-generation college students preferred
• High school GPA of at least 2.5
• Must enroll at NCMC for the Fall semester immediately following high school graduation
• Agree to participate in the following Student Success Program requirements:
  • Team Building Day and Reception in late August
    
  • North Central Day at the end of August
  • College Success course, first semester only, as scheduled
  • Two campus activities per semester (ex: Student Senate, athletic event, student club, Luncheon Lecture, tutoring, volunteering)
  • Meet with academic advisor to register for classes and make an educational plan
  • Meet with Student Success Coordinator regularly
  • Meet with Career Development Specialist once per year
  • Optional opportunity for leadership in the second year of the program

Tip of the Mitt Scholarship: Steps to Apply

Application opens in mid-February. Recipients will be notified by the end of April.

1. Apply and become an accepted North Central student (www.ncmich.edu/apply)
2. Complete the FAFSA (www.studentaid.gov)
3. Complete the Tip of the Mitt Scholarship application

The JEWEL Program

The JEWEL Program is designed to promote education as a resource for empowerment and leadership by providing improved access to resources that address barriers disproportionately faced by women. A partnership between North Central Michigan College and the Women's Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM), the program focuses on academic success, leadership development and access to resources.

Students in the program will be supported as they pursue an associate degree, certificate or certificate of development, with the goal of either entering the workforce or pursuing a bachelor's degree program. Students will be matched with a community mentor to encourage professional and personal development.

Program participants are guaranteed a $1,000 scholarship split between the fall and winter semesters, regardless of full-time or part-time student status. Students are eligible for the program for up to two years. In order to renew for a second year, students must follow the Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines (a GPA of 2.0 and 67% completion rate) as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education. JEWEL participants may also apply for WRCNM Educational Scholarships to help cover educational and living expenses (books, childcare, transportation, emergency needs, etc.) by calling 231-348-6699.

Eligibility Criteria

• Current or returning students with financial need and/or limited support
• High school graduate or equivalent
• Ability to maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher
• A written essay (300-600 words) on the following topic:
  • Describe your educational, professional, and personal path
    and how a mentorship experience could positively impact
    your goals.

Participant Requirements

• Attend the fall and spring mentor socials.
• Attend the fall workshop series.
• Connect monthly with mentor.
• Meet with an academic advisor each semester to make an educational plan that reflects individual goals.
• Meet with Student Success Coordinator regularly.
• Meet with the Career Development Specialist.

JEWEL Program Steps to Apply: Complete by June 1, 2024

1. NCMC Application and be an accepted student – www.ncmich.edu/apply
2. Complete the FAFSA – https://studentaid.gov/fafsa
3. NCMC Scholarship Application and essays – through the NCMC student portal.