Michigan First Credit Union Offers Up to $85K in Scholarships for Michigan Students

The credit union's annual statewide competition provides individual scholarships of up to $10,000 for eligible members pursuing higher education.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Michigan First Credit Union is opening applications for its annual statewide scholarship competition, offering up to $85,000 in funding for eligible high school seniors and current college or technical school students who are members of the credit union. The competition asks applicants to connect a high-pressure cooking show scenario to their own experiences, creativity, and personality, with scholarships of up to $10,000 awarded to selected students.

Why it matters

The scholarship competition reflects Michigan First's longstanding commitment to education and community investment, providing direct financial support to students and families navigating the rising costs of higher education. In a time of tuition increases and student debt pressures, these scholarship dollars can make a meaningful difference for Michigan students.

The details

The scholarship competition is open to eligible Michigan First members who are high school seniors or current college/technical school students. Applicants must answer the prompt 'If you were competing on a high-pressure cooking show, what dish would you make to impress the judges, and how does it reflect who you are?' through either a written essay or video submission. Entries will be judged on originality, quality, and how well applicants connect their experiences and personality to the prompt. Since the program began, Michigan First has awarded $1.8 million in scholarships to students.

  • The scholarship competition opens on April 6, 2026.
  • Winners are expected to be announced on or around July 17, 2026.

The players

Michigan First Credit Union

A credit union founded 100 years ago as Detroit Teachers Credit Union, with deep roots in education and a longstanding commitment to supporting students and communities across Michigan.

Jennifer Glenfield

Chief Marketing Officer of Michigan First Credit Union, who emphasized the credit union's mission of investing in the future of its members and communities through initiatives like the scholarship program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“At Michigan First, supporting education isn't just something we do, it's part of who we are. Founded 100 years ago as Detroit Teachers Credit Union, we have deep roots in education and a longstanding commitment to helping students succeed. This scholarship competition is one way we continue that mission, investing in the future of our members and our communities.”

— Jennifer Glenfield, Chief Marketing Officer

What’s next

The full list of rules and additional scholarship information can be found on Michigan First's website. Applicants must have an open account with Michigan First to qualify, and winners are expected to be announced on or around July 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Michigan First's annual scholarship competition reflects the credit union's deep commitment to education and community investment, providing direct financial support to Michigan students and families navigating the rising costs of higher education. The creative prompt inviting applicants to connect a cooking show scenario to their own experiences and personality offers a unique opportunity for students to stand out beyond just academic performance.