Michigan ECHO Scholarship

A tuition-free pathway for Michigan’s frontline workers administered by Michigan College Access Network.

About the Scholarship

The Michigan Equity, Courage, Hope, and Opportunity (MI ECHO) Scholarship allows people living in Michigan to access associate’s degree and certificate programs at in-state, two-year institutions. 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 and who worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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, you:

must be an individual who holds an immigration status that prevents them from accessing federal financial aid (ex. DACA, Temporary Protected Status immigrants [TPS], Asylum pending, or Special Immigrant Juveniles [SIJ]).
- Students who are undocumented are not eligible. While MCAN supports educational access for all students, we are unable to offer financial support for undocumented students through this program.
- If you have any questions about your eligibility please feel free to email info@michiganecho.org.
must not be in default on a federal student loan.
must have worked an essential job anytime during the declared COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-June 30, 2022).
- Please refer to the State of Michigan list of essential industries to see if you qualify.
must currently live in Michigan.
must enroll at a 2-year institution (community college) or a participating institution.
must enroll in the associate degree or certificate program within six months of being accepted or reapply.
must not have previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree.
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. (Includes seniors in high school.)
- OR if you have completed high school outside of the United States you can submit a diploma evaluation report.

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.

We DO NOT ask for your home address.

MCAN is committed to the privacy and protection of all our students.

Students who are receiving Futures for Frontliners or Michigan Reconnect awards are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.

How to Maintain Eligibility

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 Michigan
Complete and submit a continuing eligibility form at the end of every semester. The form can be completed online or via PDF.
Continue to be enrolled at a Michigan or participating institution
Submit transcripts
Sign and submit a consent form for MI ECHO Scholarship staff to reach out directly to colleges for any necessary verification

The student will only remain eligible until the completion of their degree or three years after being in the program, whichever comes first.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2022 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. MCAN is committed to serving at least 100 students with the current MI ECHO funds.

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:
- Immigration status verification (Employment authorization document [EAD], SSN card, US government letter, or any other document that clearly verifies immigration status)
- Essential worker verification (Pay stubs, reference letter from employer [must be on official letterhead and indicate that you were an essential worker], essential worker letter from employer or government [must clearly have name on it], or any other document that verifies you were/are an essential worker)
- 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:
- Immigration status verification (Employment authorization document [EAD], SSN card, US government letter, or any other document that clearly verifies immigration status)
- Essential worker verification (Pay stubs, reference letter from employer [must be on official letterhead and indicate that you were an essential worker], essential worker letter from employer or government [must clearly have name on it], or any other document that verifies you were/are an essential worker)
- 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.