Dr. Joyce Ann Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund
Scholarship Sponsored by Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation
Introduction
Dr. Joyce Ann Carter dedicated her professional life to higher education and to helping students succeed. She and her husband Gerry each earned Ph.D. degrees and served for many years on the faculty at Central Michigan University. For two decades Dr. Carter led the university’s Academic Assistance program, where she became especially committed to supporting students facing non-traditional circumstances. Her work guiding students toward financial and academic stability revealed a persistent need for more targeted financial aid for learners balancing education with difficult life situations.
About the Dr. Joyce Ann Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established to carry on Dr. Carter’s commitment, the Dr. Joyce Ann Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund supports non-traditional students striving to return to college. Many recipients are single parents working low-wage jobs with very limited resources. Unlike recent high school graduates, these students often have few scholarship options despite having interrupted their education because of financial or personal hardship. The fund — held as a legacy at MPACF — aims to grow over time so it can continue opening educational doors for these students.
Background
Dr. Carter passed away from cancer in 2004. Throughout her 20 years as Director of Academic Assistance at Central Michigan University, her foremost concern was students whose personal challenges impeded academic progress. She was particularly enthusiastic about aiding non-traditional students who were returning to school.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Applicants must be non-traditional students between 25 and 45 years old.
- Academic preparation: Applicants should have completed approximately two years of college-level coursework in the Humanities.
- Purpose of education: Applicants must intend to use at least part of their university education to achieve a clearly defined socially beneficial goal (for example: becoming a high school counselor, serving in the Peace Corps for two years, assisting migrant or sweatshop workers, etc.). Relevant coursework may include language, literature, art, music, history, philosophy, and religion. Potential careers often fall within the public (government) or nonprofit sectors. Applicants should explain this intent in their written essay.
Award Schedule
This scholarship is currently awarded in odd-numbered years.
Online Application and Deadlines
The 2025 application cycle is closed. The next application will open on January 1, 2026. All applications must be submitted through the online scholarship portal by Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm. The portal eliminates the need to send multiple paper copies; transcripts and other supporting documents can be submitted electronically by school administrators. Note that the online system asks additional questions to determine each applicant’s eligibility for specific scholarships. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions before beginning the application.