2026 Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship Application

The Myer and Lois Franklin Charitable Trust

College scholarship application for the 2026-2027 academic year
Myer and Lois Franklin, lifelong residents of Jackson, Michigan, were highly appreciative of the success they enjoyed as a result of the opportunities afforded them in the Jackson community. In order to give back to others, they chose to leave a legacy of education. As strong believers in the power of education, the Myer and Lois Franklin Charitable Trust was established to be utilized as a vehicle for providing scholarships to residents of Jackson County.

The ability to give back to the community and the right to an education for all was of extreme importance to the Franklins. They created the trust to provide scholarships embracing all members of the Jackson community no matter what their background in an effort to promote acceptance and access to education to those seeking same.

All scholarship recipients are expected to be a role model for the Jackson community and to demonstrate the qualities and perform the activities which enabled them to be selected as an outstanding scholarship recipient.
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity (as defined in paragraph 249(c)(4) of title 18, United States Code), sexual orientation, marital or parental status, political affiliation, military service, physical or mental ability, or any other improper criterion be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds made available by the community foundation, and any other program or activity funded in whole or in part with funds appropriated for grants, cooperative agreements, and other assistance administered by the community foundation.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Upon receipt of 200 completed applications OR February 11, 2026, whichever comes first.

ELIGIBILTY REQUIREMENTS:
- Resident of Jackson County, Michigan
- Those enrolled in the Jackson County Early College may apply in their 13th year or after
- Previous recipients are encouraged to reapply, however renewal is not guaranteed
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: $1,000 - $5,000

SCHOLARSHIP USES: Tuition and fees

DIRECTIONS: All completed applications with a transcript and two letters of recommendation must be submitted online. The online system will save your work and allow you to come back to it at another time so long as you at least complete the first page and click "save". Please note that progress on each page will only be saved when you click "save" at the bottom of each page. You will receive an email with the link to access your draft application.

You may type your essay answers in a word processing program like Word or Google Docs and then cut and paste them into the application. You can expand the essay viewing area by clicking and dragging the icon in the essay text box.

If you use autofill, check what is filled in the “Name of High School” field. It typically enters your name and not your high school's name.

REQUIRED UPLOADS:
- Transcript: You must upload your most recent transcript. If you are currently attending high school/college the transcript must include Fall 2025 grades. If your Fall 2025 transcript is not available, you can submit your application with your most recent transcript to hold your spot in the 200 accepted applications. You will have until 5PM on February 11, 2026, to email your updated transcript with Fall 2025 grades or your application will not be considered for this scholarship.
- Letters of Recommendation: Upload two letters of recommendation. They should be written by someone who has known you for several years. Please do not submit a letter from relatives or fellow students. If you received this scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year, you do not need to submit a letter of recommendation.
AWARD/DENIAL NOTIFICATION: Not all applicants will receive a scholarship. Award/denial information will be emailed to all applicants in May. Additionally, recipients' names will be posted on our website, www.jacksoncf.org.

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please contact Monica Bouman at the Jackson Community Foundation (517)787-1321 or mbouman@jacksoncf.org.

APPLICANT INFORMATION
First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
example@example.com

FAMILY INFORMATION
Number of dependents (if applicable)
Do you live with a parent/guardian?*

YesNo
Parent/Guardian Name*

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Email*
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian Occupation*
Parent/Guardian Employer (If they do not have an employer enter self-employed, unemployed, or retire). *
Parent/Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Occupation
Parent/Guardian Employer (If they do not have an employer enter self-employed, unemployed, or retire).

COLLEGE INFORMATION
Name of college/university attending or plan to attend*
City and State of college/university*
Declared field of study*
How many years of college have you completed*
Month/Year you will begin classes for the 2026-2027 academic year. *
Expected college graduation date (Month/Year)*
Do you anticipate attending graduate school*

YesNo

SCHOLASTIC RECORD
High School GPA*
College GPA (if applicable)
SAT score (if applicable)
ACT score (if applicable)
SCHOOL & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Provide a brief resume of your activities in high school or college, in athletics, student organizations, school offices, or any effort you have made in furthering the interests of your school and community.*

0/220

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Total Monetary Resources Available

Total Anticipated Expenses
Could you go on with your higher education without aid from this charitable trust?*

0/110
Can your parents/guardians assist you with college expenses? If not, why?*

0/110

	Amount
Tuition & Fees
Room & Board
Books
Incidentals

PERSONAL ESSAY
Please explain your future goals. Include how you have prepared yourself to reach these goals. Include any life experiences you would like to share. Note: The essay is worth 25% of your overall scholarship score.*
Additional Information: Please provide any additional information that you believe should be considered by the scholarship committee in evaluating your application.

0/280
TRANSCRIPT: You must upload your most recent transcript. The transcript does not need to be official, but it must clearly indicate from which educational institution it was issued. If you are currently attending high school/college the transcript must include Fall 2025 grades. If your Fall 2025 transcript is not available, you can submit your application with your most recent transcript to hold your spot in the 200 accepted applications. You will have until 5PM on February 11, 2026, to email your updated transcript.
Most Recent Transcript*

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LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Submit two letters of recommendation with your completed application. These should be from someone who has known you for several years and who has been in reasonably close contact with you throughout your life. Please do not submit letters from relatives, fellow students, or casual acquaintances. The letters of recommendation must include author’s contact information.
Letter of Recommendation #1*

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Letter of Recommendation #2*

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SIGNATURE
By signing below, the student understands and agrees that any scholarship award as result of this application will be used only for educational tuition and fees. Additionally, all awards will be paid directly to the college/university.

By signing below, the student authorizes the Myer & Lois Franklin Charitable Trust to verify all information contained in this application and other documents submitted in connection with the scholarship either before the scholarship is approved and/or closed, or as a part of the review process. Furthermore, the applicant acknowledges that all information provided may be shared with any affiliate of the Board of Managers.

By signing below, the student certifies the applicant has given careful consideration to all questions contained in this application and that the answers provided by the applicant are true to the best of his/her knowledge and belief.

By signing below, the student agrees to release and hold harmless the Trustees of the Myer & Lois Franklin Charitable Trust and its Board of Managers from any and all personal liability, with the complete understanding they will protect and consider all information to the best of their ability.
Date Signed*

MonthDayYear
Date
Signature*

Clear
Should be Empty:

	Name	Amount
Scholarships
Loans
Grants
Personal Financial Resources (self, parents, grandparents)

	Employer	Position/Title	Dates of Employment
1
2
3

The Myer and Lois Franklin Charitable Trust

APPLICANT INFORMATION

FAMILY INFORMATION

COLLEGE INFORMATION

SCHOLASTIC RECORD

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PERSONAL ESSAY

SIGNATURE