Gold Key Scholarship Program
The Michigan Elks Charitable Grant Fund is proud to offer scholarships to assist special-needs students in pursuing higher education at accredited colleges, universities, licensed trade, or vocational schools. This program is intended to aid qualifying students who might not otherwise continue their education or training after high school.
Our purpose is to help these students become self-respecting, self-reliant, self-supporting, contributing members of society.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following:
A. Residency
Student’s primary residence must be in the state of Michigan.
B. Special Education Status
Student must have had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Education Accommodation Plan at the time of their high school graduation, or upon completion of an extended Special Education program, as defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
C. Education / Age Status
Applicants may be:
Students in their final year of high school or an extended Special Education program leading to a Certificate of Completion.
Students who have received a high school diploma or completed an extended Special Education program in the previous year.
Students enrolled in a public extended education program through a RESA or ISD after graduation.
Students between the ages of 18–25 who have documented participation in a treatment program preparing them for ongoing education.
D. Financial Need
Student must demonstrate financial need for assistance in funding their ongoing education.
Definition of “Special Needs”
For the purposes of this scholarship, “Special Needs” is defined as:
A student who is physically challenged,
Currently eligible for special education services under federal guidelines,
Or a student approved by the Gold Key Commission of the Michigan Elks Association.
Scholarship Award
Each scholarship award is $2,000 per year.
Awards are renewable for up to three (3) additional years, upon re-application, with proof of enrollment and good academic standing.
Scholarships are awarded in the form of certificates of award conditioned upon enrollment.
Scholarship funds are paid directly to the educational institution.
Required Documentation
Each application must include:
Official high school transcript(s).
Completed Student Application Form.
Letter from parent(s)/guardian (200 words or less) describing family obligations, resources, and financial need.
Letter of recommendation from a high school teacher/counselor, special educator, or therapist.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Report from the student’s school. A 504 Plan will also be accepted.
Letter of acceptance from an accredited educational institution (if not available at time of submission, it must be provided before scholarship funds are released).
Gold Key Scholarship Application Information
The Gold Key Scholarship requires that each applicant submit both the Student Profile Form and the Parent/Guardian Statement with Financial Information Form. These forms must be completed and submitted online together with the scholarship application in order for the application to be considered. Applications that are incomplete or missing required documentation will not be reviewed.
The Gold Key Scholarship operates on a quarterly application cycle, allowing students to apply throughout the year. Applications must be submitted by the close of each quarter to be considered for that review period.
Application Deadlines by Quarter:
Quarter 1: Opens January 1 · Closes March 1
Quarter 2: Opens April 1 · Closes June 1
Quarter 3: Opens July 1 · Closes September 1
Quarter 4: Opens October 1 · Closes December 1
All initial applications, along with required documentation, must be submitted by the applicable quarterly deadline to be considered for that review cycle.
Renewal applications become available each year on November 1.