Tom and Bruce Cook stand with SRESD program administrators Denise Brady and Lisa Seigel

The Shiawassee Scholars program, a partnership between the Cook Family Foundation and the Shiawassee Regional Education Service District (SRESD), has cultivated the abilities of over 750 high school students on their path to college for 15 years now. Back in 1999, when the most recent Scholars were not even born, the Shiawassee Scholars program was launched to help academically talented students succeed in high school, gain admission to competitive colleges, and be best prepared for life.

Each year a group of approximately 50 eighth graders are identified as “high academic achievers” and invited to participate in the Shiawassee Scholars program. This provides a variety of support programs and activities to help the students better prepare for their pursuit of a college career. Students and their parents are invited to educational seminars throughout their high school years, the students are invited to tour a university campus, and each student may apply for a scholarship to pursue an academic/career interest such as a summer camp or advanced learning opportunity.

By identifying and recognizing academically talented students early, the Shiawassee Scholars program seeks to encourage students to continue to pursue academically challenging activities during their high school years. This unique program provides important opportunities beyond what their school or families may be able to offer. Several Shiawassee Scholars have gone on to prestigious colleges and have received significant merit-based scholarships to do so.

If you know a talented eighth grader, contact your middle school counselor or the SRESD for information on taking the SAT test this January, the results from which will be used to select Scholars.

If would like more information about Shiawassee Scholars, please visit the SRESD website or call 989-743-3471.