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Leinweber STEM Scholarship


Purpose

The Leinweber STEM Scholarship supports students from rural counties in Michigan, who are pursuing degrees in certain STEM disciplines. The scholarship is intended to encourage students who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals, and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.

Scholarship Provisions

The Leinweber STEM Scholarship provides $10,000 award each year ($5,000/semester) for six semesters. Recipients will receive the scholarship for their second, third, and fourth years at MSU. 

Eligibility


Enrolled MSU undergraduate students who are in their first year of attending MSU may apply for the Leinweber STEM Scholarship if they meet all the following criteria:

Applicants must be a full-time rising second-year undergraduate student (i.e., in their first year of attendance as an undergraduate student) at Michigan State University. 

Students must be pursuing a degree or major in the following areas:  

  • Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Human Biology, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics.
  • Lyman Briggs College (LBC) Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Computer Science, Human Biology, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics.
  • Secondary Education degree in any of the majors noted above or ISSE, Integrated Science Secondary Education.
 

Resident of a Michigan county with a population of less than 200,000 people (see table below) and graduate of a Michigan high school. 

Alcona Gladwin Mecosta
Alger Gogebic Menominee
Allegan Grand Traverse Midland
Alpena Gratiot Missaukee
Antrim Hillsdale Monroe
Arenac Houghton Montcalm
Baraga Huron Montmorency
Barry Ionia Muskegon
Bay Iosco Newaygo
Benzie Iron Oceana
Berrien Isabella Ogemaw
Branch Jackson Ontonagon
Calhoun Kalkaska Osceola
Cass Keweenaw Otsego
Charlevoix Lake Presque Isle
Cheboygan Lapeer Roscommon
Chippewa Leelanau Saginaw
Clare Lenawee St. Clair
Clinton Livingston St. Joseph
Crawford Luce Sanilac
Delta Mackinac Shiawassee
Dickinson Manistee Tuscola
Eaton Marquette Van Buren
Emmet Mason Wexford

  • US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Submits the required essay and first semester MSU GPA by stated deadline. 
  • Preference will be given to students who are residents of Osceola County.
 

Scholarship Materials

Essay

The Leinweber Foundation is a Michigan-based family foundation dedicated to advancing the local community by investing in research, education, and community. They encourage curious and hardworking MSU graduates to put their talent and knowledge to work in the State of Michigan.  
 
In 500 words or less, explain your interest in pursuing a STEM-related career in the State of Michigan after you graduate from MSU. Explain your potential career path, why it interests you, and what compels you to remain in Michigan after graduation.  
 
Your essay should be double-spaced, use a 12-point font, and have a 1-inch margin. Indicate the word count at the end of the document. 

Materials are due by 11:59 PM on April 1, 2025. 

Timeline

April 1

Applications must be submitted through THIS FORM by 11:59 PM on April 1, 2025.

April 4-18

Applications reviewed by selection committee.

May 2

Recipients notified of scholarship status.

SUBMIT MATERIALS


Leinweber Foundation

Mission

The Leinweber Foundation is a Michigan-based family foundation dedicated to advancing our local community and broader society by investing in three key mission areas: Research, Education, and Community. They seek to support innovative and impactful research, expand access to education for students from underserved and rural areas, and support the health and vitality of our community and beyond.

Values

We are guided by the values of our founder, Larry D. Leinweber, and his innate curiosity and unwavering commitment to learning and personal growth. We strive to support initiatives that reflect his core principles of curiosity, hard work, perseverance, personal responsibility, and compassion, with an emphasis on programs that empower individuals and foster self-reliance.

 

Learn More

Questions?


Direct questions to Dr. Korine Wawrzynski at steinke7@msu.edu or 517-884-4384.