The Michigan Democratic Party's Rural Caucus launched a scholarship program this year that will help students in rural areas pay for college or trade school.
School districts with 1,000 students or less, qualify for the scholarship, according to the Rural Caucus Chair Joe Gutowski.
Gutowski says he started the scholarship with hopes to help students in areas who are often "left behind."
"We know that many talented students in our rural communities face unique challenges when it comes to accessing higher education," Gutowski said.
The scholarship requires that a student must be currently enrolled in a rural school district, have a 2.0 GPA or higher, and they must be on track to attend a
Gutowski says the caucus isn't looking for academic perfection. He says they're looking for students who have "heartfelt commitment to serving their communities and leading by example."
Applications and instructions were sent to 197 high schools throughout the state. Gutowski says students can ask their guidance counselors for more information or request an application by emailing the rural caucus. Applications are due on April 17.
According to the application rules, multiple applicants will be chosen to receive a $1,000, along with a free, one-year membership to the Michigan Democratic Party Rural Caucus.
Gutowski says he's working to raise more money for the scholarship, in hopes of increasing the amount of money awarded and the amount of students chosen in future years.
