Michigan Retailers Association offers more than 30 college scholarships

LANSING – Michigan Retailers Association is offering 34 or more college scholarships this spring through the annual competition funded by its Michigan Retailers Foundation.

At least 34 scholarships will be available to the families of MRA members and their employees for the 2015-16 academic year. Scholarships are $1,000 for public and private university and college students and $500 for those attending community college or approved educational and professional training institutes.

The program has provided 428 scholarships to students since 1999.

Recipients are selected for their above-average academic performance and extracurricular activities, including part-time employment. Financial need is not a consideration, and students do not need to be at the top of their class.

Eligible to apply are high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are dependent sons and daughters of owners or full-time employees of MRA’s nearly 5,000 member businesses. Part-time employees who are full-time students are also eligible.

Applications must be submitted to International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS) by April 1. Students are encouraged to complete the application process online at www.retailers.com. Students may also contact MRA’s Laura Schilling at 800.366.3699 or lschilling@retailers.com by March 15 to request an application by mail or to check eligibility.

Recipients are selected by an independent panel of educators chosen by ISTS, which coordinates the application and selection process for MRA and many other organizations.

Michigan Retailers Association represents nearly 5,000 member businesses and their more than 15,000 stores and websites. MRA has been a trusted business resource for 75 years and provides profit-boosting membership services such as legislative advocacy, expert credit card processing, business and personal insurances, and shipping discounts.