Michigan ECHO Scholarship

A tuition-free pathway for individuals who cannot access federal financial aid administered by Michigan College Access Network.

About the Scholarship

The Michigan Equity, Courage, Hope, and Opportunity (MI ECHO) Scholarship allows people living in Michigan access to associate’s degree and certificate programs at in-state, public community colleges or tribal colleges. The scholarship covers tuition, contact hours, and other mandatory fees. Through MI ECHO, students can earn an associate’s degree or certificate to gain stable employment and boost their standard of living.

This last-dollar scholarship is only for people who hold immigration statuses that prevent them from accessing federal financial aid. However, students are encouraged to disclose when they have received other awards to limit award displacements. MCAN reserves the discretion to determine if scholarships/awards should not be subtracted from the calculation of the MI ECHO award.

Why Should You Apply?

If you're accepted to the MI ECHO Scholarship program, paying for an education is no longer an issue. You can earn an associate degree or certificate, and open doorways for new economic opportunities.

MI ECHO means a lot of things. It means getting an education. It means finding a better job. It means whatever you want to make of it. The MI ECHO Scholarship isn't just financial assistance, it's the next step in building a better life for you and your family.

Check to see if you're eligible.

Who’s Eligible

In order to be eligible for the MI ECHO Scholarship, an applicant:

Must have DACA, TPS, Asylum Pending, Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ), undocumented (meaning currently do not have lawful status in the US), or another status that prevents them from accessing federal financial aid.
- DACA recipients must be between 17 and 24. DACA recipients 25 and over with an assigned SSN are able to apply for Michigan Reconnect.
- Students who are receiving Futures for Frontliners or Michigan Reconnect awards are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
- If you are a US citizen, permanent resident, international student (J or F series), or hold another immigration status that allows you to access federal financial aid, you are not eligible to apply.
- Must not be in default on a federal student loan.
Must have graduated from high school with a diploma or certificate of completion, or a high school equivalency certificate.
- OR you must be near completion of earning a high school diploma, certificate of completion, or high school equivalency certificate. This includes seniors in high school.
- OR if you have completed high school outside of the United States you can submit a diploma evaluation report.
Must currently live in Michigan.
Must not have previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree.
- If you have earned a certificate, but have not yet earned an associate or bachelor’s degree, you are still eligible to apply for this program (a certificate is less than 60 credit hours).
- If you are currently enrolled in an associate degree program or certificate program but have not completed either, you are still eligible to apply for this program.
Must be planning to attend a public community college or tribal college in Michigan.
Must enroll in an associate's degree or certificate program within six months of being accepted or reapply.

MCAN is committed to the privacy and protection of all our students. We DO NOT ask for your home address.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please feel free to email info@michiganecho.org.

How to Maintain Eligibility

The scholarship is renewable pending available funding and continued eligibility. Scholars must submit a continuing eligibility form, transcript, and signed FERPA form to be considered for continued eligibility. Submitting these requirements does not guarantee renewal of scholarship unless scholars fulfill required criteria.

Maintain good academic standing to remain eligible for enrollment (satisfactory academic progress varies by institution) or maintain a 2.0 GPA following your receipt of the MI ECHO Scholarship.
Continue living in the state of Michigan.
Continue to be enrolled at a public community college or tribal college in Michigan.
Complete and submit a continuing eligibility form at the end of every semester. The form can be completed online or via PDF.
Submit unofficial final transcripts with all final reported grades on it. Transcript must be complete, screenshots will not be accepted unless it includes all pages.
Sign and submit a FERPA form for MI ECHO Scholarship staff to reach out directly to colleges for any necessary verification.
A student cannot be disenrolled for 2 or more consecutive semesters.

Please remember communication is key here! Notify us of any changes that could impact your eligibility or change in plans so we can work together to create a plan that best aligns with your academic goals. Lack of communication or timely response to MI ECHO requests can result in scholarship being revoked.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Funds are limited, so not everyone eligible for the MI ECHO Scholarship will be accepted. It is recommended that you apply as early as possible to ensure your application is considered. Please note that you must enroll in an associate or certificate program within six months of being accepted or you must reapply.

Once you've submitted your application, we'll email you within six weeks. If you're accepted, we'll give you the next steps of the program.

How to Apply:

You can apply by one of three ways.

Apply online:

Complete the online scholarship application form

Apply by email:

Complete the scholarship application form
Include required documents:
- Signed FERPA consent form
Email application form and all required documents to info@michiganecho.org

Apply by mail:

Print and complete the scholarship application form
Include required documents:
- Signed FERPA consent form
Mail application form and all required documents to this address:

Michigan College Access Network
c/o Ana Manzano
200 N. Washington Square, Suite 420
Lansing, MI 48933

Application Questions?

If you have questions or need help applying, please contact us.

Email info@michiganecho.org or call 517-896-0899.