Making a Difference Scholarship

High school seniors or transfer students who are residents of Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, or Ontonagon county who plan to major in one of the degree programs listed below should apply. Students intending to major in engineering fields must have a career plan with a focus on human health.

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Biological Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Cheminformatics
• Chemistry
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Exercise Science
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Physics
• Psychology
• Social Sciences
• Sports and Fitness Management

• Complete the free online application for admission.

• Prepare a response that demonstrates how your academic goal relates to a health/medical career. You may submit a written response (about 300 words), or upload a video response (1-3 minutes) of you personally addressing the following questions:
• How have you played a role in being a catalyst of healthy change in our local community?
• What do you see yourself doing academically and professionally that would improve human health?
• Complete the Making a Difference Scholarship application form by February 15*.

* Deadline dates are subject to change. Please check back in late fall for accurate information for the fall 2019 scholarship. 

Portage Health Foundation Making a Difference Scholarship recipients will be expected to:

• enroll at Michigan Tech in the fall following the scholarship award;
• remain in a health-focused area of study as determined by periodic progress reports and meet scholarship renewal criteria;

• help establish and maintain membership in the Michigan Tech chapter of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America/Future Health Professionals);
• serve as a mentor for future PHF scholars; and
• provide annual progress reports to the PHF Scholarship Committee.

• January 2019: Making a Difference Scholarship Information Session (date and time to follow)
• February 15: Portage Health Foundation Scholarship applications are due by 11:59 p.m. (eastern time). You must also have an application for admission on file by this date.
• Early-March: Finalists are selected and notified.
• Mid-March: Celebration dinner for finalists and family members to meet with health-oriented faculty, administrators, current students, and professionals from diverse health fields.
• Late-March: Award recipients are notified.

* Dates are subject to change. Please check back in late fall for accurate information regarding the fall 2019 scholarship. 

The scholarship committee is interested in getting to know you. You will be evaluated on the content of your essay and the way the information is conveyed (be creative!). We want to know more about you and your goals, get a sense for how active you are in your school and community, learn how you plan on applying your education toward a health career, and find out how you see Michigan Tech contributing to your future success on campus and beyond. 

1. Don't think about the answer we’re looking for—think about what you want to share with us. We want to get to know more about you and your goals in a health-related field.
2. If you plan to write your essay, we strongly encourage you use Word or a similar program that allows you to copy and paste into the online application form.
3. If you decide to submit a video response for your essay, feel free to use the video function from a smartphone or tablet, digital video camera, or other device.
4. With these suggestions in mind, ensure your essay is well written, free of errors, follows the instructions, and is submitted on time. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. (eastern time) on February 15—late submissions will not be considered.