Our Mission

Supporting Outstanding Learners

About SCHOLAR Birmingham

SCHOLAR, whose official name is the Birmingham Student Loan and Scholarship Fund Association, is a nonprofit corporation formed more than 75 years ago to provide college financial assistance to students who reside within the boundaries of the Birmingham School District upon high school graduation. Available moneys for scholarships came from annual donations from PTSA groups, individuals and organizations and from earnings from endowed or similar investments. Contributions are tax deductible. Although loans were once a part of the organizations mission, that is no longer the case; scholarship funds are sent directly to the university or college for each awardee to offset the cost of higher education. Repayment is not expected.

SCHOLAR is operated by a nine-member volunteer board of trustees including the Birmingham schools’ superintendent, a member of the Birmingham Board of Education, a representative of the districtwide PTSA, a representative of the AAUW, and five at-large trustees drawn from the community. Additional honorary trustees may be appointed.

Typically scholarships can range from $500 to $3,000 and are awarded to high school seniors and qualifying Birmingham college students. Scholarships are awarded each May for the following school year and are based upon the following factors, all of which are considered:

(a) family financial need
(b) student academic performance
(c) student school and community activities
(d) student employment experience
(e) student educational goals
(f) student enrollment in a Michigan college or  school
(g) family and student circumstances

New Application Process!

New Application Process!

 

For all high school and college applicants, there is a new process in place going forward. Please click on the "Scholar Application" button below (or to the side) to begin the process. You'll be prompted to create a login ID using a PERMANENT email address (not a bps email) at a new page with the address https://scholarbirmingham.communityforce.com/. Bookmark this page as you'll be able to revisit the site to complete the application process (take as much time as needed) and use it in future years.  If you have any questions please contact us at info@scholarbirmingham.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you! 

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