SMOFI Scholarship Program

SMOFI Scholarship Program

Funder: Southeast Michigan Omega Foundation Incorporated (SMOFI)
Geographic Scope: Southeast Michigan (Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties)
Focus: College scholarships for graduating high school students

Background

Since 2001, SMOFI has awarded college scholarships to 110+ graduating high school students, totaling over $400,000. Scholars have maintained an impressive 88% college graduation rate.

Award Details

• Amount: $1,500 per award, renewable for up to 3 consecutive additional years (maximum total of $6,000 over 4 years)
• Annual Volume: In 2025, SMOFI anticipates awarding 32 scholarships totaling $48,000 (new and renewed awards)
• Awards Named After: William A. McGill (1923–2008), John H. Williams (1918–2019), Sidney L. Moore (1932–2008), Dr. Clarence B. Vaughn (1928–2021), Patrick B. Bosworth (1966-2018), and Benjamin Dirden (–2022)

Eligibility Requirements

• Demographics: African-American male high school seniors
• Geographic: Must attend a high school in Southeast Michigan (Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb counties)
• Academic: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
• Post-Secondary: Plan to attend an accredited 4-year college or university beginning Fall Semester
• Character: Demonstrate good character and possess evidence of leadership abilities
• Financial Need: Qualified students with documented financial need receive higher funding priority
• Restrictions: Family members of SMOFI Board of Directors are not eligible

Selection Criteria

Scholarships awarded based on:
• Academic achievement
• Financial need
• Other relevant factors

Mission & Vision

Mission: "To empower vulnerable youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their personal potential."

Vision: "To create a community that provides mentoring and scholarship support for interested youth that allows them to reach their true potential, capable of making informed, responsible decisions as an active and engaged member of our community."

Contact Information

• Phone: (313) 875-9980
• Address: P.O. Box 327, Southfield, MI 48037
• Website: smofi.org