Attending a postsecondary institution is a goal for many, providing the opportunity to work toward a career they’ve invested passion into. From activities offering leadership experience to lasting relationships with classmates, college can be an experience of a lifetime. But factor in tuition, living arrangements, textbooks and other unforeseen costs, and that dream can quickly disappear.
Grady Scholarship recipients gain experience through opportunities such as serving their community.
At Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), we are proud to partner with students and educators to make higher education more accessible for students.
Especially for those historically underrepresented in postsecondary institutions. At its Niles and Dowagiac campuses, Southwestern Michigan Community College offers qualifying students assistance options to not only attend college but also grow as leaders. Through its Grady Scholars Leadership-Development Program, twenty students receive financial aid within an academic year. The scholarship, funded by a grant from the American Electric Power Foundation that was recommended by I&M, was founded in November 2020 and named in honor of George Grady, a Dowagiac resident, Navy diver and Korean War veteran who served as Michigan’s first Black police chief for nine years from 1965 through 1974.
While the scholarship extends the academic experience, it also invests in the potential these students have. Through leadership workshops, resume building and community service projects, the program offers a robust experience to support future endeavors. With greater diversity, prospective students can better identify with students who serve as advocates for the postsecondary experience. An opportunity only granted when education is made possible.
The goal is to remove obstacles in the way of students finishing the year and taking the next steps toward their professional endeavors. An opportunity that might not have been possible without each of this institution investing in their students’ potential.
For more information on how we are Powering The Next Community Initiative, visit the community section of the I&M website.