Huntington and the Michigan Chronicle proudly announce the kickoff of the 10th Annual S.W.A.G. (Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness) Scholarship Awards, marking a decade of sustained investment in Detroit’s next generation of leaders.
Since its inception in 2015, the S.W.A.G. Scholarship Awards have provided critical financial support, mentorship, and recognition to Detroit high-school seniors who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to community—often in ways not fully captured by grades alone. Over the past 10 years, Huntington has awarded scholarships to more than 200 Detroit students and invested nearly $2 million in scholarships and education-focused programming through the initiative.
“Reaching the 10-year mark is a testament to the students, families, educators, and partners who believe in the power of opportunity,” said Gary Torgow, Chairman of Huntington’s Board of Directors. “We believe in the holistic impact that S.W.A.G. makes in supporting local students pursue higher education, inspiring future leaders, and fueling the long-term strength of Detroit’s neighborhoods.”
In celebration of the program’s 10-year milestone, the 2026 S.W.A.G. Scholarship Awards will distribute $120,000 in student scholarships, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for undergraduate students and a $10,000 award to one S.W.A.G. Alumni scholar pursuing post-secondary education. The program continues to prioritize Detroit students with a minimum 2.25 GPA, reinforcing the belief that leadership potential, character, and perseverance matter alongside academic performance.
“The S.W.A.G. Scholarship Awards were created to recognize students whose stories, leadership, and determination extend beyond what a transcript alone can show,” said Hiram E. Jackson, Publisher of the Michigan Chronicle. “As we mark ten years of this program, we are proud of the pipeline of leaders it has helped shape. Students who are now professionals, community advocates, and role models. If nothing else, this milestone affirms what sustained investment in young people can accomplish for Detroit’s future.”
The S.W.A.G. Scholarship Awards are uniquely designed to support Detroit high school seniors attending Detroit Public Schools Community District or city-based charter schools who plan to enroll in college or a trade school in Fall 2026. In addition to financial awards, the program has historically connected recipients to mentorship, internships, and professional networks that extend well beyond graduation.
Applications for the 2026 Michigan Chronicle/Huntington Bank S.W.A.G. Scholarship Awards opened on February 9, 2026, and will close on March 29 at 11:59 p.m. The 10th anniversary celebration, where the 2026 SWAG Scholarships will be announced, takes place Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Huntington Bank Detroit headquarters. Students and parents can learn more and access the application at michiganchronicle.com/swagawards.
