/EINPresswire.com/ -- LANSING, MI--(Marketwired - February 11, 2016) - Michigan Retailers Association is offering approximately 36 college scholarships this spring through the annual competition funded by its Michigan Retailers Foundation.

The scholarships are available for the 2016-17 academic year to the families of MRA member businesses and their employees. Scholarships are $1,000 for a student of a four-year, public or private university or college, and $500 for those attending a community college or approved educational and professional training institute.

The program has provided 465 scholarships to students since 1999.

Recipients are selected for their above-average academic performance and extracurricular activities, including part-time employment. Financial need is not a consideration, and students do not need to be at the top of their class.

Eligible to apply are high school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are dependent sons and daughters of owners or full-time employees of MRA's nearly 5,000 member businesses. Part-time employees who are full-time students are also eligible.

Applications must be submitted to International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS) by April 1. Students are encouraged to complete the application process online at www.retailers.com. Students may also contact MRA's Rachel Schafer at 800.366.3699 or rschafer@retailers.com by March 15 to request an application by mail or to check eligibility.

Recipients are selected by an independent panel of educators chosen by ISTS, which administers the program for MRA.

Michigan Retailers Association represents nearly 5,000 member businesses and their more than 15,000 stores and websites. MRA has been a trusted business resource for 76 years and provides profit-boosting membership services such as legislative advocacy, expert credit card processing, business and personal insurances, and shipping discounts.

Contact:
Rachel Schafer
517.372.5656
Email contact