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.
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 fewer, describe what motivates you to pursue a STEM degree, the career path you hope to follow, and the impact you aspire to make after graduating from MSU.
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.
Students can submit their essay via this form.
Timeline
April 19
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on April 19, 2026.
April 20-May 8
Applications reviewed by selection committee.
May 11-15
Interviews conducted via Zoom.
June 1
Recipients notified of scholarship status.
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.
Questions?
Direct questions to Dr. Korine Wawrzynski at steinke7@msu.edu or 517-884-4384.
