Michigan First Credit Union is opening the door to another round of scholarship support for students across the state, offering up to $85,000 in funding through its annual statewide competition for members pursuing higher education.
The competition opens April 6 and is available to eligible Michigan First members who are high school seniors or current college or technical school students. Individual scholarships of up to $10,000 will be awarded to selected students, giving families some relief as the cost of education continues to weigh heavily on households across Michigan.
This year’s application asks students to answer one question: “If you were competing on a high-pressure cooking show, what dish would you make to impress the judges, and how does it reflect who you are?”
Students can respond through either a written essay or a video submission. Michigan First said entries will be judged on originality, quality, and overall effort, with an emphasis on how well applicants connect their own experiences, creativity, and personality to the prompt.
For many students, scholarship competitions like this can mean the difference between taking on more debt or having more room to focus on school. Michigan First is positioning the annual program as part of a longer legacy tied to education and community investment.
“At Michigan First, supporting education isn’t just something we do, it’s part of who we are,” said Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Glenfield. “Founded 100 years ago as Detroit Teachers Credit Union, we have deep roots in education and a longstanding commitment to helping students succeed. This scholarship competition is one way we continue that mission, investing in the future of our members and our communities.”
That history matters. Michigan First said it was founded a century ago as Detroit Teachers Credit Union, and the scholarship competition continues to reflect those educational roots. Since the program began, the credit union has awarded $1.8 million in scholarships to students.
The competition also fits into the organization’s broader message around education, financial wellness, and community impact. At a time when students and families are navigating tuition increases, everyday living costs, and the long-term pressure of student debt, scholarship dollars remain one of the most direct forms of support institutions can offer.
Applicants must already have an open account with Michigan First to qualify. The credit union said all applicants must also be high school seniors or current college students and members in good standing.
Winners are expected to be announced on or around July 17.
The format of the competition leaves room for students to show more than academic performance alone. By asking applicants to tie a cooking-show scenario to their own story, Michigan First is leaning into a more personal and creative approach, one that invites students to talk about identity, ambition, and self-expression while competing for educational support.
That kind of prompt may also help students stand out in ways traditional scholarship applications do not always allow. A student who chooses video may be able to bring their personality directly to the screen. A student who writes may be able to tell a more reflective story on the page. Either way, the competition is built around voice, effort, and imagination as much as eligibility.
For students already connected to Michigan First, the opportunity could offer a timely boost heading into the next academic year. For graduating seniors preparing for college and current students trying to stay enrolled, even one scholarship can help close a gap that keeps growing for many working families.
Michigan First has not changed the core purpose of the program. The goal remains clear: invest in students and help reduce some of the financial pressure tied to higher education.
Those interested in applying can find the full list of rules and additional scholarship information at Michigan First’s website.
