Michigan Tech’s premier scholarship program recognizes resident and non-resident high
school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and scholarly achievements
both in and outside the classroom.
This scholarship program is open to first-year students enrolling in their first fall
semester at Michigan Technological University. As a part of the selection process,
students will submit an essay and provide details about their involvement in extracurricular
activities. Finalists will be invited to attend one of the in-person events to be
held in January where they will participate in team building activities, meet faculty,
and connect with other finalists. More importantly, this visit is designed for students
to meet other students and learn more about the programs available to them at Michigan
Tech.
By attending the on-campus event as a finalist, students will have the chance to earn
scholarships ranging from $2,000 to full tuition!
Essay Question for fall 2025 applicants: Write a one page essay response (3,000 character maximum including spaces) on the
following topic: "Leaders have the ability to ask outstanding questions that make people think and
inspire action. What question do you feel you should answer for this scholarship application?
Tell us your question, and provide your answer—be sure to draw on your leadership experience or include your future leadership goals
in your response. There is no wrong answer (or question), so have fun—and don't be afraid to think outside the box."
Academically talented high school seniors with leadership experience are encouraged
to apply. In general, applicants should meet the following academic guidelines:
- 3.30 or higher cumulative GPA at time of application (on a 4.0 scale)
Students must be accepted for admission (test scores are not required for admission
consideration for students with a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale). Finalists will
be selected based on acceptance status, essay, and involvement.
- Students must apply for admission and have all application materials submitted to Michigan Tech by November 1.
- Complete the Leading Scholar Award application by November 15. Create an account using your personal email address and set your
own password. If you have already set up your Application Portal or applied for Michigan
Tech scholarships, log in to your current account.
The University Scholarship Committee is interested in getting to know you. Students
will be evaluated on not only the leadership experiences highlighted in their essay,
but in the way the information is conveyed through writing. The committee will also
consider the students' involvement both inside and outside the classroom. We receive
over 1,300 applications each year for this award—the essay plays a large role in the
selection process. We advise you to avoid writing your resume in essay format. Inject your personality
and think creatively to set yourself apart!
- November 15: Leading Scholar applications are due by 11:59 p.m. (eastern time). You must also have a completed application
for admission on file by this date.
- December 15: Finalists are selected and notified no later than December 15. Notification
will be made on the Leading Scholar application portal. Students not selected as a
finalist will be notified on the application portal.
- January 10, 13, 17, 24, 27 and 31: On-campus in-person finalist event. Finalists will
register to attend one event; dates are first-come, first-served.
- Mid-March: Award notifications are mailed.
All finalists who attend one of the on-campus events will receive one of the following
scholarships which are valued between $2,000 per year up to full tuition.
Leading Scholar Commended Finalist Award: $2,000 per year
Leading Scholar Distinguished Finalist Award: $4,500 per year
Leading Scholar Award
- Michigan Residents: full tuition, housing and food, and $1,000 stipend (approximately
$32,346) per year
- Non-Michigan Residents: full non-resident tuition (approximately $42,662) per year
Other applicants not named finalists for the Leading Scholar Award may be selected
for the Distinguished Leader Award based on their application materials. This award is automatic—there is no requirement
to attend an on-campus event.
Students who were previously awarded a Presidential Leading Scholar Award or a National Leading Scholar Award can view information about their awards here.
