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MSU Michigander Scholars Program

Michigan State University is partnering with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on a program to foster hiring in the electric vehicle (EV), mobility, semiconductor, and aerospace/defense sectors. The goal of the program is to connect engineering students with participating companies to further grow the talent pipeline in Michigan.

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The Cohort Program

  • Students accepted in the cohort program will be involved in Career Prep directed at the targeted industries PLUS special programming, coursework and tours.

  • Students will be assigned both a Career Coach and Faculty Advisor who will help with career prep, employer contact and academic advising as it pertains to each sector. 

  • Students will have special engagement events where they will be connected with and recruited by companies in the target sectors in hopes of employment  - It will be the choice of the student to accept. 

  • There is NO cost to participate; all coursework and programming are fully funded.

  • Successful Michigander Scholars will be eligible for up to $10,000 in scholarship.  

    • Scholars can get a $5,000 scholarship after accepting an internship (including co-op) in an approved occupation from a participating employer. The remaining $5,000 is available if the Scholar completes a second internship or accepts a full-time job offer from an approved employer and commits to staying in Michigan for at least 12 months.

    • Scholars can get a $10,000 scholarship after they accept a full-time job offer in an approved occupation from a participating employer and commits to staying in Michigan for at least 12 months.

    • The addition of this scholarship may result in adjustments made to previously awarded financial aid. All scholarships are contingent on continued qualifying and funding.

  • See a complete list of qualifying companies

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Program Admin. Contacts: 

Jennifer Jennings | jjenning@msu.edu 

Garth Motschenbacher | motschen@egr.msu.edu

Student Eligibility 

  • Qualifying students must be in Freshmen (2nd semester), Sophomore or Junior Status (@ least 2 semesters prior to graduation).

  • Student should be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or above. 

  • Student is interested in the EV, mobility, semiconductor, or aerospace/defense sectors and working in a participating company in the State of Michigan.

  •  Student is interested in a career as a:

    • Chemical, computer, cybersecurity, electrical, materials, mechanical, process, or systems engineer.

    • Software developer.

  • Have a declared major, or intend to declare, in a relevant undergraduate or graduate program of study (e.g., engineering, computer science).

  •  Meet any additional university-specific eligibility criteria.

  • Special program eligibility may be available for graduating seniors - see program administrator.

Student Requirements

  • ​Incoming scholars must complete the Cohort Career Prep Program (EGR291: Sections 301–304) or receive a waiver from a Program Administrator. This requirement can be met by enrolling in EGR291. Registration for Spring 2026 is open now—even before you apply to the MSU Michigander Scholars Program.

  • Students must participate in 2+ of the select programming, seminars and special events planned to support their goal of careers in the EV, mobility, semiconductor, or aerospace/defense sectors. 

  • Upon acceptance of co-op/intern position, student must enroll in EGR X (special Michigander Scholars Section), for each and every work experience prior to graduation. 

    • Students must complete minimum 10 week experience and receive a “P” = Passing grade for their Experience (EGR 391-EGR 494).

How to apply

Students interested in participating in the program should attend an information session (Spring Semester dates TBD), search Scholars on Handshake. Students can also email Jennifer Jennings jjenning@msu.edu or Garth Motschenbacher motschen@egr.msu.edu.

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The application period for Fall 2025 is now closed. Please check back in early 2026 for future opportunities. See Student Requirements Section above. Registration for EGR291 Spring 2026 is open now—even before you apply to the MSU Michigander Scholars Program.

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