Local/Regional News

Eastern UP high schoolers are eligible for local college scholarships

WCMU | By Ava Harmon

Published November 24, 2025 at 3:26 PM EST

Located in Sault Ste, Marie, Michigan, Lake Superior State University enrolls many international students who are Canadians because of the proximity to the border. "Our Canadian applicants are heavily focused on the Algoma region of Ontario, which is just across the international bridge," said Jamie Zamjahn with Lake Superior State University. "With over 70,000 people in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, they are our sister city and work diligently to build and maintain relationships with schools and officials there. Our Canadian students, like all our international students, bring prospective and diverse worldviews that are important to the college experience, and when they return home, they continue to serve the same community." — Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste, Marie, Michigan.

High school graduates in the eastern Upper Peninsula are now eligible for a scholarship program that offers individuals up to $500 who plan to attend local colleges.

This initiative is called the EUP Promise Zone, and it's one of Michigan's 15 designated promise zones.

"As a organization that funds scholarships, we felt this was a wonderful initiative to award," Stephanie McGreevy, vice-chairperson of the EUP Promise Zone. "To those living and working in the eastern UP so that they could continue their academics post high school."

The scholarship is eligible for high school students who plan to attend Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) and Lake Superior State University (LSSU).

Community college tuition is currently free for Michigan graduates enrolled full time, through the Community College Guarantee.

McGreevy said that the scholarship would cover more than just tuition. It would cover books, course materials, transportation costs and on-campus housing.

The initiative is currently in phase one of the project, with local fundraising efforts in place. McGreevy said that each Promise Zone must raise their own funding for the first two years, to show a local commitment and community support.

"But we're making good process for year one," Angie McArthur, chairperson of the EUP Promise Zone said. "We're expecting that our phase two would start in our year three."

In phase two of this project, the Promise Zone will be eligible for state funding through the Michigan State Education Tax (SET).

Students that are interested in this scholarship must graduate from an EUPISD eligible school, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year, stay enrolled at one of the two partnering institutions and complete a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) release form.

"I'm very excited because it's a huge opportunity for our region and our students," McArthur said. "There isn't a Promise Zone north of Baldwin right now."

This scholarship is now accepting applications until April for 2026 and 2027 graduates.