When Aleya received the call letting her know she had been awarded the Gene & Shirley Nuckolls Scholarship from the Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF), she was on vacation – and the moment was unforgettable.
“I was so happy,” she recalls. “I told my mom right away, and we went out for dinner to celebrate. The scholarship eased so much financial stress.”
Aleya, a graduate of Heritage High School and the Saginaw Career Complex, is now in her final year at Delta College, studying radiology. Her passion for the field was sparked by her grandmother, who is a radiologist and one of Aleya’s biggest role models.
“I’ve always wanted to help and inspire others the way she does for her patients every day.”
Growing up in Saginaw shaped who she is today. “It’s a tight-knit community – not too big, not too small. The support from Saginaw Community Foundation gives people hope, and that’s something special.”
Aleya found the scholarship while researching ways to reduce her student loan debt. “The application process was easy and personal,” she says. “It really made a difference.”
Her advice to other students: “Don’t let doubt stop you. Take the time to apply. Every dollar helps.”
Saginaw Community Foundation has been helping local students achieve their educational dreams for over 38 years. Each year, more than 900 scholarship awards totaling over $1.5 million are presented to high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners from Saginaw County, the Great Lakes Bay Region, the State of Michigan and even other parts of the United States.
Whether you’re pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE), a two-year associate’s degree, or a four-year university program, there’s likely a scholarship opportunity for you at SCF each year.
Only one application is all it takes to potentially qualify for one or more of our 255 individual scholarship opportunities. Many of our scholarship funds produce multiple awards each year.
Mark your calendar: the 2026 scholarship application cycle opens November 1, 2025.
Visit our Scholarship Homepage to explore eligibility criteria, search available scholarships, and learn more about what to do before starting a scholarship application.
“(Saginaw is) a tight-knit community – not too big, not too small. The support from Saginaw Community Foundation gives people hope, and that’s something special.”