Michigan Gem and Mineral Society Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Michigan Gem and Mineral Society
About the Michigan Gem and Mineral Society
Description: The Michigan Gem and Mineral Society (MGMS) is a chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for people interested in rocks, minerals, and fossils. The Society brings enthusiasts together to share their interests, experiences, and stories. MGMS held its first meeting on March 4, 1954.
- MGMS is a community for rock, mineral, and fossil enthusiasts.
- The Society was founded in 1954.
Scholarship Overview and Eligibility
Eligibility: The scholarship is open to students graduating from high schools in Jackson County or a bordering county in 2027. Applicants must be residents of Jackson County or a bordering county and plan to use the funds for postsecondary education during the 2027–28 school year. MGMS membership is encouraged but not required. The Society expects to award one to three scholarships of $1,000 each for study in Earth Sciences or Lapidary Arts.
- Applicants must graduate in 2027 and reside in Jackson County or a bordering county.
- Scholarship funds must support education during the 2027–28 school year.
- One to three awards of $1,000 are available.
Eligible Fields of Study
Areas of study: Eligible fields include Geology, Lapidary Arts, Mineralogy, and other areas connected to Earth Sciences. Examples include Geophysics, Oceanography, Marine Biology, Forensics, Green Technologies, Astronomy, Meteorology, Chemistry, Metal Smithing, Gemology, and Metallurgy. Students pursuing teaching, engineering, health care, research, or technology degrees, training, or certifications are also invited to apply if they demonstrate a connection to an Earth Science field. Applicants whose primary field is not an Earth Science must explain its connection; for example, an applicant might describe how medicine relates to minerals in the body and the Earth.
- Applicants must show a connection between their studies and Earth Science.
- Teaching, engineering, health care, research, and technology applicants may also qualify.
Application and Essay Requirements
Selection criteria: Applications are evaluated on academic achievement, community service, financial need, recommendations, residency, and the essay. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and submit at least two recommendation letters from people who are not family members. The essay must be at least 250 words and address the applicant’s career and educational goals. It must also describe the applicant’s commitment to an area of interest in Earth Sciences, or explain how geology, weather, the environment, or Lapidary Arts will affect their chosen field.
- Minimum GPA: 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
- Submit at least two recommendations from non-family members.
- Essay: at least 250 words, covering goals and an Earth Science connection.
How to Submit an Application
Required materials: A complete application must include the application form, at least two recommendation letters, and the essay. Staple all pages together before mailing the application. The application must be postmarked by the applicable due date; no specific date is provided here. Send the materials to the MGMS Education Committee at the address below.
- Include the application form, recommendation letters, and essay.
- Staple all pages together and mail the application by the due date.
MGMS
Attn: Education Committee
P.O. Box 633
Michigan Center, MI 49254
Selection and Award Timeline
Selection and notification: MGMS officers and the Scholarship Committee will select the recipients. If no applicant is considered acceptable, the Society will retain the scholarship funds. Qualified recipients will be notified during the first week of March 2027. Awards will be presented at the MGMS Annual Gem and Mineral Show, held March 19–21, 2027.
- Recipients will be notified during the first week of March 2027.
- The awards will be presented at the Annual Gem and Mineral Show.
Award Presentation
Presentation details: The show will take place at the American 1 Event Center at Jackson County Fairground (Keeley Park), 128 W. Ganson St., Jackson, MI 49201. Winners and their families will be invited to attend on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. to receive the award check. MGMS looks forward to meeting recipients and recognizing their achievements.
- Winners and their families are invited to the Saturday presentation at 3:00 p.m.
- Show location: American 1 Event Center, Jackson County Fairground (Keeley Park).