CADL Now Accepting Applications for the 2024 Student Success Initiative Scholarship Program
The SSI is a partnership between CADL and school districts within its service area to provide more than 20,000 students with access to educational resources. Through this initiative, students in participating districts can get a library card and access CADL’s collection of books, audiobooks, magazines and more.
CADL has built upon the initiative by offering two $1,000 essay-based scholarships to high school seniors who are graduating this year to use towards any college-related expenses. CADL is one of the first libraries in the state to offer this type of scholarship.
“At CADL, we are committed to supporting students and ensuring they have the tools they need to be successful,” said CADL Collection Development Director Thais Rousseau. “That’s why we’re excited to offer a scholarship to graduating seniors that will help them continue their education and be successful during this next chapter of their lives.”
The scholarship program is being funded by a generous donation from the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) and donations made through Kroger Community Rewards. No library funds from taxpayers are being used to fund the scholarships.
“CATA’s commitment to community partnership and public service is a pillar of the organization. By supporting opportunities to assist area youth, we are contributing to a strong future for the Capital City region,” said CATA Chief Marketing and Public Information Officer Lolo Robison.
SSI scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors who meet all the following criteria: (1) Must have a 2.5 or higher GPA at the time of application and submits an unofficial high school transcript; (2) Must have a CADL SSI account that has been used within the last year ; (3) Attending an accredited college, university or vocational school in the fall after graduation; (4) Submit a 500-1,000-word essay answering the question, “How would you define success?”
Completed applications can be mailed to CADL, Attn: SSI Scholarship, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or dropped off at CADL’s Administrative Offices (third floor of the Downtown Lansing Branch). Applications can also be submitted via email to scholarship@cadl.org. Applicants without access to technology can use public computers at any of CADL’s 13 locations or check out a computer and hotspot from CADL’s Library of Things.
The deadline to receive completed applications is 11:59 p.m. EST on April 14, 2024. The awardees will be notified by CADL by May 6, 2024. For applications and information, go to cadl.org/scholarship.