MI ECHO Scholarship Applications Accepted Through Dec. 31

Students who face barriers accessing federal financial aid due to immigration status are encouraged to learn more about the Michigan Equality, Courage, Hope and Opportunity (MI ECHO) scholarship. The program covers the cost of tuition, contact hours and other mandatory fees associated with obtaining a certificate or associate degree in the state of Michigan.

To qualify, students must live in Michigan, be a DACA recipient, have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylum pending, Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ) or an immigration status preventing them from qualifying for federal financial aid. Those receiving federal financial aid, the Futures for Frontliners scholarship or who receive awards from the Michigan Reconnect program are not eligible.

"This is a very unique scholarship opportunity for students who typically cannot access federal financial aid," said Kristina Pudasaini, Kalamazoo Valley international student coordinator. "It allows them to have a tuition-free pathway. I would encourage any student who meets the criteria to apply."

MI ECHO is administered through the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) and is designed for students who have not yet earned an associate or bachelor's degree. Applicants must be planning to attend, or currently attending, a public community college or tribal college in Michigan and are required to enroll within six months if accepted into the program.

Other requirements include having obtained a high school diploma, a certificate of completion or an equivalency certificate. Applicants are also eligible if near completion of their high school diploma.

For a full list of requirements, to apply or to learn more about MI ECHO, click here. For questions, contact info@michiganecho.org or email finaid@kvcc.edu.