Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

For good. For ever.

306 South University Avenue Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 United States

(989) 773-7322

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Garland-Schilling Scholarship Fund

George and Judith Garland and Alan and Mary Lou Schilling created the Garland-Schilling Scholarship Fund in 2014 in recognition of the dedication of the staff of Mid-Michigan Industries (MMI).

MMI’s mission is to enrich lives through employment, training and community access. In fulfilling this mission, MMI is the leading employment service in central Michigan for individuals with barriers to employment. Its services help integrate individuals into the community by finding jobs fitting their skill levels and by providing other supportive services. For decades, MMI has served as a partner with other agencies and organizations in supporting individuals in the community.

The Garland-Schilling Scholarship was established to assist those who are interested in careers in public service. The goal is to encourage individuals with an interest in working with people with special needs, including those with a disability, those in poverty, people experiencing homelessness, the elderly, or youth at risk. Graduating seniors who have a connection with MMI through an employed relative or volunteer will receive application priority.

The Garlands and Schillings have spent the majority of their professional careers providing services intended to enhance the quality of life and level of independence for individuals with special needs. Those having a similar interest or passion are asked to additionally contribute to this fund. “We hope to sustain and grow the fund. We want it to live beyond us,” said Judy. To grow, expand and bring awareness to the community is the hope for years to come.

Alan and Mary Lou Schilling

Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply for this scholarship:

1. Student shall be a graduating high school senior from counties served by MMI (Clare, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm) or a current college student who is a graduate from counties served by MMI (Clare, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm). 

2. Student shall demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum 3.25 grade point average. 

3. Student shall demonstrate community involvement with a minimum of 20 hours of community service completed in the two years prior. 

4. Student shall be enrolled in or plan to enroll in an accredited college, university, or trade school. 

Preferences:
1. Student has expressed interest in public service, especially in serving individuals with special needs, including the homeless, those in poverty, individuals with a disability, the elderly, or youth at risk. 

2. Examples of future career choices that would take preference include but are not limited to: special education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, speech & language pathology, adaptive physical education, social work, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and psychology. 

3. Preference will be given to students with a connection to Mid-Michigan Industries (MMI). This might include a familial connection (parent or other close relative who has been employed, served as a volunteer for the organization, or who has been served by the MMI); volunteered in activity with MMI; or other association with the organization. This connection should be stated in the applicant's essay.