The Lake Trust Foundation, an independent charitable organization of Lake Trust Credit Union, has awarded five scholarships to Michigan residents — including three from Livingston County — who are furthering their education. The New Beginnings and Michigan Impact scholarships were created to recognize and support Michiganders pursuing an education in high-demand fields to support communities across the state.
“Each of our recipients has a unique story and clear vision for how they want to use their education to make a difference,” said Brandalynn Winchester-Middlebrook, chief people and purpose officer at Lake Trust Credit Union and treasurer of the Lake Trust Foundation in a release. “By investing in their goals with these scholarships, we are not only providing them with meaningful support to continue their education, but also equipping them with the resources they need to contribute to their communities and local economies through their work.”
“The cost of education can be a significant barrier to individuals continuing their education or looking to make a career change,” said David Snodgrass, president and CEO of Lake Trust Credit Union and president of the Lake Trust Foundation in a release. “These scholarships help ease that burden and support students on their journey toward financial wellbeing, giving them greater freedom to focus on their education and build valuable career skills all while strengthening the future of Michigan’s workforce.”
Two Livingston County residents were awarded the New Beginnings Scholarship from The Lake Trust Foundation. The scholarship is designed to support those pursuing a skilled trade or technical career, such as nursing, electrical work, welding and more. Each recipient received $7,500 to support educational expenses including tuition, tools or other program costs. The 2026 recipients are:
• Rosa Brondyke of Brighton – An apprentice at Ann Arbor Electrical JATC, Brondyke is on track to complete her apprenticeship to become a certified electrician and mentor for others entering the field.
• Elijah Smith of Pinckney – Pursuing a degree in automotive marketing and management at Northwood University, Smith plans to use his degree to grow his existing small business into a successful dealership that streamlines the car-buying process for his community.
The Michigan Impact Scholarship, in partnership with Cleary University, offers a full-tuition scholarship for new undergraduate or graduate students starting at Cleary in the Fall 2026 semester. Special consideration was given to students pursuing Michigan’s high-demand careers through 2032 and planning to contribute to the local economy upon completion.
This year, The Lake Trust Foundation awarded one full-tuition scholarship to Lucille Bosn of Brighton. Bown is pursuing a degree in business communication at Cleary University. After graduation, she plans to attend law school, become an attorney, and help businesses in her community with their legal needs.
For more information, visit www.laketrust.org/en/newsroom.
