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Jul 14, 2021
Lake Superior State University includes in its strategic plan fostering student learning, driving social mobility, and promoting community partnerships. Along those lines, through its dedication to advancing higher education for Michiganders, Lake State announces the launch of the LSSU Charter School Guarantee. Michigan high school seniors graduating from the 13 free public charter schools operating under the auspices of LSSU will be guaranteed admission to the institution.
Furthermore, upon enrollment, they will automatically receive a $2,000 scholarship, renewable for up to four years, per remaining in good standing. These grants-in-aid, called Chartering Laker Scholarships, rebrand what had previously been distributed as Jr. Laker Scholarships and fold into the new LSSU Charter School Guarantee continuum blueprint for success.
All LSSU public charter high schools statewide qualify. They are:
LSSU’s Charter School Guarantee goes into effect immediately and the renamed Chartering Laker Scholarships follow suit. Eligible high school seniors will be notified the first month of classes of their opportunity to become an LSSU Laker and have some of their college education underwritten. The Chartering Laker Scholarship will be on top of any other federal, state, or institutional aid that students secure.
“The LSSU Charter School Guarantee and Chartering Laker Scholarships broaden access to higher education for all students enrolled in the charter high schools that LSSU authorizes,” said Fred Pierce III, dean of admissions and marketing at LSSU. “This two-part initiative, one debuting and the other extant being rechristened within it, also speaks to additional urgent touchstones for LSSU, such as furthering diversity and enhancing the quality of life in the Great Lakes region and throughout the state.”
“More than 400 high school seniors are enrolled at our 13 free public charter schools, and we’d love it if each and every graduate wound up part of the Laker family,” added LSSU President Dr. Rodney S. Hanley. “We want all students and their families, along with faculty, staff, and friends, at those sites to know that the next generation deserves a chance to earn a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, certificate, or postsecondary credential here and that LSSU is committed to access, affordability, and achievement.”
Jim Coneset, superintendent of Grand Traverse Academy, applauds LSSU for investing in students this way. “The Lake Superior State University Charter School Guarantee is a fantastic opportunity for all Grand Traverse Academy graduates to have guaranteed admission to LSSU along with the renewable $2,000 per year scholarship,” Coneset said. “This places a college education within the grasp of the 54 students in the GTA class of 2022 as well as every one of our 800 Pre-K through 11th-grade students down the road.”
“At North Central Academy and Bay City Academy, our motto is: ‘Actions Over Words, Service Over Self.’ Today we are even more thankful than ever for our partnership with Lake Superior State University, which is all about actions over words and service over self,” said Superintendent Brian T. Lynch, who estimated enrollment for next year at 475 students, including 25 seniors, cumulatively, at the two schools. “Our district averages an 85% free and reduced rate, meaning many of our students struggle with the opportunity to recognize college as a viable option in their futures. LSSU’s new initiative to provide our seniors with a chance at guaranteed admission to LSSU, plus a renewable $2,000/year scholarship, is a game changer for all of our students. This will provide not only an opportunity but also hope from a very early age that if our students combine a hard work ethic with a positive attitude, there is a university out there ready and willing to give them a shot, regardless of what background they come from.”
The LSSU Charter School Guarantee and Chartering Laker Scholarships reinforce analogous LSSU outreach. Lake State is test-blind (SAT and ACT not required for admission or scholarship) and has no application fee. LSSU also does not require a deposit to secure enrollment or housing. LSSU is one of the most affordable four-year public campuses statewide.
“Lake Superior State University is a treasure for our region and state. I applaud the university for its innovative approach to higher education—both in terms of the wide range of educational pursuits they offer and in terms of making those opportunities available to more people through programs like the LSSU Charter School Guarantee,” said Michigan State Rep. John Damoose (R-107). “Special things are happening at LSSU and the entire state is taking notice.”