Scholarship competition underway

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The Michigan Retailers Association’s annual college scholarship competition begins February 1, with $12,000 in financial aid available for the 2003-2004 academic year. At least 12 scholarships will be awarded to students of MRA-member families.

The start to scholarship season has particular significance this year. Not only is it a time for students to think about what’s ahead for them, it is a time for MRA members to be thinking about their own futures, and how they can leave their mark through the “Links to a Legacy” campaign to grow the scholarship program.

“This is a valuable opportunity for retailers to start 2003 on the right foot,” said D. Larry Sherman, Michigan Retailers Foundation Scholarship Program Challenge chairman. “Built on the spirit of giving and the value of education, these scholarships are tools young people will use to build a better tomorrow.”

The scholarships are funded by Michigan Retailers Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1968 by MRA. Donations to Michigan Retailers Foundation are tax deductible.

The campaign, which started late in 2002, has already brought in $10,035, said Sherman. The campaign's goal is to more than double the Fund's assets to $1 million by 2005.

Awards are $500 for community college students, $750 for public college students and $1,000 for private college students. Recipients are selected for their above-average academic performance and extracurricular activities. Financial need is not a consideration.

To be eligible for an MRA scholarship, the student or parent must work at an MRA-member business. High school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors may apply.

Scholarship recipients are selected by an independent panel of educators chosen by Scholarship Program Administrators of Nashville, Tennessee, which coordinates the application and selection process for MRA and many other associations and companies.

Members will receive detailed information about the scholarship program via mail by February 1. Applications must be requested by March 15 and submitted by April 1. For the first time, students may complete the application process online at www.scholarshipadministrators.net (the access code is MIRA) or request an application by mail.

"The campaign is off to a good start, but we have a long way to go and plenty of opportunity for retailers to become involved," said Sherman, who already has one scholarship named for him and has pledged to create a second one in his parentsname. "This is more than your average fund drive, it is a chance to leave a lasting legacy."

For information, or to contribute, please call MRA's Retha Lachance at 800.366.3699 or e-mail her at rlachance@retailers.com.

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