U.P. Scholars program supports rural Michigan students
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Students from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan attending the University of Michigan received support through the U.P. Scholars program, which aims to bridge the gap between their tight-knit rural hometowns and the larger university environment.
The program provides four years of financial aid alongside academic and social support like coaching, tutoring, and networking. Students reported that the program helped them navigate college life, especially when facing challenges like the unexpected loss of a parent or feelings of homesickness.
Many students from rural communities felt they needed to independently find resources and overcome stigmas about their backgrounds. The U.P. Scholars program helped these students realize they belonged in spaces like professional fraternities and encouraged them to seek help when needed. Program participants like Alex Mamonov and Emi Reith described feeling empowered by the program’s support, which extended beyond academics to include community building.
These students are now working to support future rural students by hosting events for high school counselors and creating a guide to the University of Michigan for prospective students from the U.P. They hope to strengthen relationships between rural high schools and universities, and to improve access to clear information about college admissions and financial aid. Ultimately, they want colleges to recognize the unique value and capabilities of students from rural areas.
