2025 Award: One $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to a current student enrolled in a freshwater studies program at a Michigan educational institution (with a preference for lake and watershed studies). Scholarship recipient(s) will also attend the 64th Annual MLSA Conference held in person on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center in Muskegon, MI to learn about freshwater issues and research as our guest.
Application Deadline: By 5 pm, March 7, 2025
Applicant Eligibility: Qualified applicants must be active and continuing undergraduate students with a Michigan college or university who are pursuing a career in freshwater studies. Applicants must have an interest in lake and/or watershed research and be motivated to pursue projects that may lead to understanding or improving lake or stream health. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must demonstrate some degree of financial need.
Applicant Instructions: Completed applications should be submitted by Google form or if necessary by email to melissa.desimone@mymlsa.org.
Award Procedure and Administration of Funds: The scholarship recipient will be determined by a selection committee designated by the MLSA Board of Directors. In early April, the winner of the scholarship will be notified via a formal letter from MLSA. The recipient of the scholarship may use the award funds for educational-related expenses such as tuition, textbooks, research, or other pertinent expenses. The scholarship will be awarded in person at the 64th Annual MLSA Conference on Friday, April 25, 2025. Additionally, please be aware of your college policies that may require notification of this award to the office of financial aid if an award is received. Please consult with your college financial aid officer before applying for the scholarship. You will be required to send a summary report of what you have used the award for and how it could benefit Michigan’s lakes and streams.
About Megan E. Cook
A bright 17-year-old high school senior who was loved by all she met. She brought a vibrancy of life to everyone she was around. From kindergarten through 12th grade her favorite subjects were science and health. As the youngest in a homeschooled family, she absorbed knowledge from listening to the older children’s lessons. Long before her “formal” school years, she began learning about the world around her. Throughout the years she would give her family detailed descriptions of what she learned that day in her science and health classes. She also enjoyed reading all she could about mysteries and forensics. She planned to study science in preparation for a career in forensics on a police force or in the medical field. She believed that by learning how the world functions through science, we could become better citizens and have a healthier life. People can be better stewards of the world in which they live by understanding the environment.
Application Requirements for Megan E. Cook Memorial Scholarship
- Please fill out this GOOGLE FORM
OR
- Please include the following information via email to melissa.desimone@mymlsa.org:
- Full Name (including middle initial or name)
- Permanent Address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Overall college GPA
- Expected semester and year of graduation
- Degree being pursued
- In addition, please provide the following:
- A most recent copy of your current transcript or if you have recently transferred to a new college, then please include your previous and recent transcripts
- Chronologically list your experience in environmental studies, research, or work, and possible contributions to societies or organizations
- Please answer the following questions (limit your answers to 400 words per question or approximately 2-3 paragraphs).
- What do you find most concerning regarding Michigan inland waters and their protection?
- How would this scholarship enable you to enhance your education and involvement in further studies?
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