The Michigander Scholars Program at WSU

The Michigander Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship program from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) designed to give top students a fast track to high-tech careers in semiconductors, EVs and mobility. The emphasis is on serving students and professionals throughout the metro Detroit region. Wayne State University students selected for the program will have access to events, networking, mentorship and up to $10,000 in scholarships if they are hired for internships or full-time positions with a Partner company.

Benefits to students

• Maximum of  $10,000 in awards per student
• $5,000 awarded to students who complete a qualifying internship with a partner company. If students complete a second qualifying internship or commits to a qualifying full-time hire offer with the partner company, they are rewarded the remaining $5,000.
• $10,000 awarded to students who commit to a qualifying full-time hire offer with a partner company.
• An exclusive, close-up look at the EV/Mobility industry sector though facility tours and demos
• Conversations with engineers and developers with networking events, virtual chats, Q and A sessions.
• Mentorship and interview prep. Support with job searches and resume writing workshops.

Eligibility

• Must be interested in career as electrical, process, computer engineer, or software developer.
• To receive a scholarship, the job offer must be for a Computer, Electrical, Process Engineer or Software Developer position (or synonymous title) at a Partner company.
• Priority degree programs include: electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science. Other programs include: chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics. Excellent candidates in related disciplines will also be considered.
• Undergraduate and graduate students  * Freshman are eligible to participate, but won’t be eligible for a scholarship until they are in their sophomore year or above.
• Preferred GPA: 3.0

Course requirements

Students must complete the following courses to be considered for the scholarship (This is not required at the time of application):

• Undergraduates: Career readiness course BE 1050  (1 cr, how to interview, network). Offered every term.
• Undergraduates: During the internship, undergraduate students must enroll in either BE 3500  (Co-Op class, 0 credit, Co-Op class) or BE 3510 (internship, 1 credit). Both courses are accepted, BE 3510 can be taken if you still need credits for your degree.
• Graduate students: During the internship, graduate students must enroll in ECE 6991, or a corresponding course in the department (for example, ISE 6991). Alternatively, students may enroll in BE 3500 if they don’t have any credit requirements for an internship.

Application process

• Submit online application including the following:
  • Resume (2 page limit, 1 page for undergrads). Include GPA, degree, work experience, and key skillsets.
  • One page statement of purpose. Why are you interested in The Michigander Scholar Program? What fields and partner companies are you interested in? Tell us about your career plans in the seminconductor, EV, or mobility industry.
• If approved, you are considered a “Michigander Scholar” with access to program events, advising, and a recruiting pipeline to partner companies
• As a Michigander Scholar, you must complete the course and other requirements listed above.
• If hired by a partner company, you must do the following:
  • Notify program administrator of job offer
  • If you are hired for an internship, enroll in internship credits, and submit letter of intent to complete the internship.
  • If you are hired for a full time position, submit letter of intent to remain in a full time position for 1 year.

Upon completion of this process, financial aid then disburses scholarship funds to your account.

Deadline

None. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible because scholarships are limited and will be first come first serve.

Internship scholarship requirement

• Be an active member of The Michigander Scholars
• Be a current Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate student in an eligible post-secondary degree program with a participating college or university.
• Notify program administrator upon acceptance of an internship offer in Computer, Process, or Electrical Engineering or Software Development (or synonymous job title) at participating employer.
• Sign a letter of intent committing to completing the full internship.

Full-time hire scholarship requirement

• Be an active member of The Michigander Scholars
• Be a current graduating senior or grad student in an eligible degree program
• Notify program administrator upon acceptance of full-time job offer in Computer, Process, or Electrical Engineering or Software Development (or synonymous job title) at participating employer.
• Sign a letter of intent committing to remaining at the role, in Michigan, for one-year.

Resume and interview assistance

Please reach out to Career Services to have your resume reviewed and updated with any necessary changes. 

Upcoming networking or career events

Please check the College of Engineering event calendar and/or Handshake for upcoming events.  

Partner companies

BorgWarner, Bosch, Calumet Electronics, DENSO, Ford Motor Company (Ford), General Motors (GM), Hemlock Semiconductor, KLA,  LG Energy Solutions (LGES), Magna, Mahle, Nissan, Our Next Energy (ONE), Shape Corp., SK Siltron CSS, Subaru, Toyota, Ultium Cells, ZF

Program contacts

Gozde Tutuncuoglu
Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Amar Basu
Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Mary Zinser
Director, Student Services

Powered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation