Ford Fund Awards $45,000 in Scholarships to metro Detroit Seniors

It had to halt its planned in-person celebration, but Ford Motor Company Fund has kept its commitment to supporting youths and fostering education. The Blue Oval Scholarship awards – in its 12^th year – moved ahead virtually and in the end, 43 metro Detroit seniors were awarded $1,000 each. The college-bound students hailed from seven schools across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties. Two additional students were also given $1,000 each.

“Ford is committed to helping students reach their full potential and realize their dreams,” says Shawn Thompson, Ford Motor Company Fund community development manager. “Not only does the Blue Oval Scholars program promote education, it also builds confidence in students who are poised to be tomorrow’s workers, leaders, thinkers and problem solvers.”

When choosing awardees, Ford Fund looked at academic achievement, the student’s desire to succeed and/or their ability to navigate less than ideal financial situations. Recipients may also now apply to receive additional $1,000 in gap funding per school year (up to $3,000) to be distributed directly to educational institutions. 

Ford Fund has awarded over $1 million in scholarships through its Blue Oval program alone. And in its 71-year history, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company has invested $2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life and more. 

For more information, visit fordfund.org. @FordFund