Davenport University has announced a new partnership with the Northwest Education Services (North Ed) Foundation, a newly formed nonprofit, furthering Davenport’s mission to empower students by reducing financial barriers to higher learning. As part of this initiative, Davenport will offer two $1,000 annual scholarships, renewable for up to four years, to students who complete any program at North Ed’s Career Tech.

“Davenport’s mission is tied to empowering people through education and opening access so all who want a college credential have the opportunity to earn it,” said Zach Whitaker, campus director of Davenport University’s Traverse City location. “We are committed to alleviating financial barriers, and this scholarship is one piece of smoothing the pathway for students to take advantage of what Davenport has to offer.”

The North Ed Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, addresses critical student needs in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties through three primary methods:

• Student Emergency Resource Fund to support emergency needs while in school, including food, clothing, assistive technology devices or basic medical care.
• Tools of the Trade Fund helps students going directly into the workforce.
• Scholarship Fund supports graduates attending post-secondary education.

“Through the North Ed Foundation, we can help those in our school community who truly need it,” said Pat Lamb, president of the foundation and North Ed’s assistant superintendent of Career and Technical Education. “These scholarships are a game-changer for students who face barriers to continuing their education and achieving their goals.”

Davenport University has been a proud member of the Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) University Center and an active presence in the Traverse City community since 1994. Through its University Center partnership, Davenport offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, health, technology, and education, many tailored to transfer and adult students.

“We are excited to continue our mission to support students advancing their education after completing Career Tech programs,” said Whitaker. “Whether they join us at our main campus in Grand Rapids or leverage our University Center partnership to attend Northwestern Michigan College, students have a pathway to success that minimizes financial burdens.”

Students can pursue an associate degree at NMC, transfer up to 90 credits to Davenport University, and complete their bachelor’s degree online—all while staying in Northern Michigan. Many of Davenport’s scholarships, including those provided through this program, are stackable with existing institutional transfer and adult scholarships, further reducing financial pressures for students.

For more information on the North Ed Foundation scholarships and programs available through Davenport’s NMC campus, visit https://www.davenport.edu/campuses/traverse-city