Kettering University announces a new partnership with MEDC and Co-op employers to support talent development for electric vehicle, mobility, and semiconductor industries.

Flint, Mich. – Kettering University, a leader in Cooperative STEM education, is excited to announce its participation in the State of Michigan’s prestigious "Michigander" Scholars program, and is the only private institution to be invited to join the initiative. The Michigander Scholars program, spearheaded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), aims to inspire and support college students aspiring to build careers in the electric vehicle (EV)/mobility or semiconductor industries.

Under the expanded Michigander Scholars program, Kettering University joins forces with its existing roster of esteemed Co-op employer partners, including BorgWarner, Bosch, DENSO, Ford, General Motors, Hemlock Semiconductor, MAGNA, Mahle, Our Next Energy, Toyota, and ZF along with the opportunity to connect with other program partners Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota. 

“Kettering University is the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative, and we are thrilled that the MEDC recognizes our impact in the mobility and EV sectors. Since 1919, Kettering has prepared students for careers in the most cutting-edge high-tech fields,” said Kettering University President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan. 

“No one else does Co-op like Kettering where half of the college experience is hands-on classroom learning and half is paid Co-op employment. Leveraging our existing Co-op relationships with many of the MEDC’s partner employers makes our participation a win-win-win for our students, employers, and the State of Michigan,” McMahan said. “Kettering students are already found throughout these industries, and The Michigander Scholars program offers another tremendous opportunity to retain such talent here in Michigan.” 

Under the Michigander Scholars program, Kettering students can seize a $5,000 scholarship for Co-ops with eligible partner employers. Those who accept full-time positions after graduation are eligible for enhanced benefits, potentially receiving up to a $10,000 incentive. Importantly, graduates committing to live and work in Michigan for one year post-graduation will enjoy these enhanced scholarship benefits, contributing to the local workforce and promoting Michigan's prominence in these cutting-edge industries.

Managed by Kettering’s Co-op team in partnership with the MEDC’s Talent Solutions division, the Michigander Scholars program sets an ambitious goal. It aims to engage 500 students passionate about the EV/mobility or semiconductor industries by the end of 2024, with the target of approving 350 scholarship recipients in these fields by September 30. 

“The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy that will promote key careers, recruit talent and fill in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries that are key to helping grow our state’s population now and, in the future,” said MEDC Higher Education Partnerships Director Ava Attari. 

“We need to improve on retaining college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy, and The Michigander Scholars is a fundamental part of our strategy,” Attari said.

About The Michigander Scholars Program

The Michigander Scholars program focuses on Michigan university students earning technology or engineering degrees in career fields that are important to Michigan employers. As a Scholar, students participating in the program can earn a scholarship, as well as gain access to networking opportunities, industry education, internships, and jobs already fulfilled through Kettering’s Co-op program.

Priority degree programs for consideration include Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science.  Kettering and MEDC will consider other degrees, such as Chemical and Mechanical Engineering if the student works in related areas of EV/Mobility and/or Semiconductors. Concentrations such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, and AI will also be considered.

Active participants in The Michigander Scholars program are eligible in their sophomore, junior, and senior years to receive up to $10,000 in scholarships.

• Up to $5,000 in scholarship for each Co-op for up to two Co-ops after accepting a Co-op position with a participating partner company.
• Or $10,000 awarded to students who accept a full-time job offer from a participating partner company and commit to staying in Michigan for at least 12 months.

The Michigander Scholars program aligns Michigan’s focus industries and the MEDC industry-specialized Talent Action Teams to make sure students, universities, and employers are working toward common goals.

Students interested in learning more about Kettering’s Michigander Scholars benefits and how to apply may visit: kettering.edu/scholarships.