SMOFI Scholarship Program

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

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

Application Process

1. Download Application Materials
   • Download the current year's scholarship application and guidelines (PDF format with fill-in-form option recommended)
   • Download scholarship disbursement details
   • Note: In Firefox, files download to the Download folder
2. Complete Application Package
   • Fill out all application materials completely
   • Include all required supporting documentation
   • Prepare evidence of leadership abilities
   • Gather documentation of financial need (if applicable)
3. Submit Application
   • Email completed application package to SMOFI
   • Subject: [Year] SMOFI Scholarship Application
   • Include full name and high school name in subject line or body
4. Deadline
   • Submission deadline: April 11 (annually)
   • All materials must be received by 11:59 PM on deadline date

Required Materials

• Completed application form
• Academic records/transcripts (demonstrating minimum 2.75 GPA)
• Evidence of good character
• Documentation of leadership abilities
• Financial need documentation (recommended)
• Any additional materials specified in application guidelines

Application URL

• Application and guidelines available at: smofi.org/programs/scholarship/
• Email submission (specific email address to be obtained from website)