Applications open for 2026 scholarship honoring student integrity

Education

Jan 9

Written By Staff

Emily Miller, 2025 Trust Scholar
Photo courtesy of Better Business Bureau® of Michigan

The Better Business Bureau® of Michigan is now accepting applications for its 2026 BBB Trust Scholarship, recognizing high school seniors who demonstrate trust, integrity, and meaningful involvement in their schools and communities. The BBB Trust Scholarship, sponsored by Meijer, celebrates students from the Class of 2026 who are preparing to continue their education. Six students will be selected from across Michigan, and each recipient will be awarded a $1,500 college scholarship.

“We’re proud to support students as they embark on one of life’s most significant milestones,” said Lisa Frohnapfel, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Michigan. “The Trust Scholarship is about opening doors and showing young people that integrity matters; not just in what they say, but in how they show up every day. With the support of partners like Meijer, we’re proud to invest in students who are setting the standard for ethical leadership.”

Applicants are evaluated by a panel of BBB staff, business leaders, and community representatives. Students are judged based on an essay and additional qualifications that reflect their understanding and real-world practice of trust and ethics.

As students and families search for scholarship opportunities, BBB encourages them to remain alert for common red flags. Unsolicited scholarship offers, requests for upfront fees, and claims of “guaranteed” awards are often signs of scams. Legitimate scholarships are free to apply for, and families should never feel pressured to share personal or financial information. BBB recommends verifying opportunities through trusted sources and taking time to research before applying.

The BBB Trust Scholarship was launched in 2020, awarding three scholarships in its first year. Following the BBB’s merger in 2025, the program expanded to reflect its statewide reach and is now available to eligible high school seniors across Michigan. Today, the scholarship supports six students each year, doubling its impact and extending opportunities to communities throughout the state.

The deadline for applying is March 26, 2026. Students must be current high school seniors residing within the service area of the Better Business Bureau of Michigan, excluding Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Monroe counties, which are served by Northwest/West Central Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Scholarship recipients will be formally recognized at the 2026 BBB Trust Celebration, scheduled for August 13, 2026, at LMCU Ballpark. BBB of Michigan will also open applications for its trade scholarship program in April 2026. For more information, visit https://www.bbb.org/local/0372/bbb_mi_awards/mi-trust-scholarship.

West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners