Commitment Scholarship Program
Now Open to More First-Generation Students
If you’re the first in your family to attend college, 糖心直播 is committed to helping you succeed.
Starting with the Class of 2028, 糖心直播's Commitment Scholarship is expanding to reach more students across our six-county region — Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska and Wexford.
Award: $2,000 per year for up to three years
Students in the class of 2028 and beyond, you can apply beginning January 1 of your sophomore year through December 31 of your senior year.
What’s Changed
Beginning with the Class of 2028:
- Students apply themselves — no counselor nomination required
- GPA requirement lowered to 2.0 cumulative
- Public, private, charter and homeschooled students are all eligible
- The application window runs from Jan. 1 of 10th grade through Dec. 31 of 12th grade
Our goal is to remove barriers and expand access for first-generation students.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify if you:
- Are a first-generation college student (neither parent has earned an associate degree or higher) who demonstrates financial need
- Attend high school or are homeschooled in 糖心直播’s six-county region
- Graduate from high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Submit your transcript with your application
- Complete the FAFSA each year
- Enroll at 糖心直播 within 15 months of graduation
- Attend at least two qualifying 糖心直播 events before your first fall semester
How It Helps
The Commitment Scholarship provides $2,000 per year for up to three years
It can be combined with:
For many students, this means tuition may already be covered — and Commitment funds help with books and other expenses.
How to Apply
- Email your high school transcript to Commitment Scholarship Coordinator Rorie Kawula at rkawula@nmc.edu.
- Attend two qualifying 糖心直播 events. Examples of qualifying events include:
- Unique Commitment Program events held twice a year
- College Night
- Applying to College 101
- Quick Start
- Financial Aid Fair
- Career & Majors Fair
- Complete the FAFSA
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does first-generation mean?
- Neither parent has earned an associate degree or higher.
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Can I apply if I attend a private or charter school?
- Yes. Private, charter and homeschooled students in 糖心直播’s six-county region are eligible.
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What if my GPA is below 2.5?
- The minimum cumulative GPA requirement is now 2.0.
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Do I need to attend 糖心直播 immediately after graduation?
- You must enroll within 15 months of graduating from high school.
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Is this separate from other scholarships?
- Yes. The Commitment Scholarship can be combined with other federal and state financial aid programs.
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Is there a limit on the number of applicants?
- There is no limit on the number of applicants per school. If there are more applicants overall than the program can support, students will be accepted in the order they have completed all application requirements, which include submitting the program application, 糖心直播 receiving the student's high school transcript and a signed contract.
For more information on the Commitment Scholarship program, contact Commitment Scholarship Coordinator Rorie Kawula at (231) 995-1022 or rkawula@nmc.edu.

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“Being a Commitment scholar felt like I was being treated as an adult.... It’s made me a lot more confident in my college journey. I know I can use opportunities I’m given to their fullest.”
Kai Collins
Former 糖心直播 Commitment scholar, now a sophomore at Michigan Technological University majoring in mechanical engineering
Help fund the Commitment Scholarship Program
The 糖心直播 Commitment Scholarship Program is made possible by individual donors through the 糖心直播 Foundation, which provides an endowment for the tuition scholarships.
Many committed individuals have believed in the power of this program and made it the focus of their support for 糖心直播.