Empowering Students Through Their Higher Education Journey
CMU and The Center for Charter Schools share the goal of helping academically qualified students who graduate from a CMU-authorized charter public school continue their academic journey at CMU. One way this is being achieved is by providing two annual scholarships:
Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Public Charter School Scholarship – Established in 2011 by Louise A. Plachta, this scholarship is to honor the memory of her late husband, Dr. Leonard E. Plachta, who served as president of CMU from 1992 – 2000. During his time at CMU, Dr. Plachta played an instrumental role in pioneering Michigan’s charter school movement and was integral in CMU’s authorization of the first charter public school in the state in 1994. Both Dr. and Mrs. Plachta were born and raised in the city of Detroit. In order to give back to the community from which they came and provide inspiration and support to charter high school graduates, the Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Scholarship was established. The scholarship is offered annually to a student who is graduating from a Detroit charter public school authorized by CMU and will be attending CMU full time after graduation, or is currently a full-time student at CMU.
The Center for Charter Schools Scholarship – The Center for Charter Schools at CMU is proud of the accomplishments of the students in the schools authorized by Central Michigan University. To support their continued success in their educational journey, the Center established a scholarship. The scholarships awarded are for a high school graduate of a CMU-authorized charter public school to attend CMU.
Submission Requirements
To apply for the Spirit of the Future scholarships, you must first apply and be admitted to attend CMU.
Students Already Admitted/Attending CMU
- If you have your CMU Global ID and password, please proceed to the specific scholarship applications below.
- If you do not have your CMU Global ID and password, you can activate it at https://myaccount.cmich.edu/NewAccount.
Graduating High School Seniors Who Have Not Applied to CMU
- As a senior at a CMU-authorized charter school, applying to CMU is free and if you have a 2.8 GPA or higher, you are guaranteed admission. Learn more about your exclusive admission opportunities, and apply today.
For more resources on utilizing CMU’s Scholarship Universe platform, please visit CMU’s website.
Applying for The Center for Charter Schools Scholarship
Students with a 3.0 GPA who graduated from a CMU-authorized charter high school and are attending CMU for undergraduate studies.
- Submit the scholarship application on the CMU Scholarship Universe platform. As part of the application, you will be required to upload:
- A recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.
- Your school transcript.
- One-page, single-spaced essay on one of the topics outlined in the application.
- The scholarship application deadline is January 31.
Applying for Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Public Charter School Scholarship
Students with a 3.0 GPA who graduated from a CMU-authorized charter high school located in Detroit and are attending CMU for undergraduate studies.
- Submit the scholarship application on the CMU Scholarship Universe platform. As part of the application, you will be required to upload:
- A recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.
- Your school transcript.
- One-page, single-spaced essay on one of the topics outlined in the application.
- The scholarship application deadline is January 31.
- We encourage you to also apply for the Center for Charter Schools’ Scholarship listed above. You may use the same documentation, information, and essay for both scholarship applications.
The Selection Committee may choose to interview top candidates. Scholarships are contingent upon the availability of funds.