Tesla moves fast. The company’s pace is relentless, a constant cycle of iteration, problem-solving, and reinvention. So when Tesla recruiters and engineers visited ������Ƶ, they weren’t just looking for students who could crunch numbers or ace a test.

They were looking for builders.

“Show us what you’ve done, not just where you’ve worked,” recruiter Libby Jones told students during Tesla Day on February 5. “We don’t just want to see job titles. We want to know what problems you’ve solved, what projects you’ve taken ownership of, and how you’ve pushed yourself to be better.”

That's what Kettering students already do every day. From day one, they’re thrown into a world where they’re expected to contribute, build, test, and improve. Through the University’s signature Co-op program, they step out of the classroom and into engineering teams tackling real-world problems. Whether it’s Formula SAE, Baja, autonomous systems, or electric vehicles, Kettering students don’t just theorize — they execute.

That’s exactly what Tesla is looking for.

"At Kettering, we don’t just set students up for jobs — we create opportunities for them to prove what they can do,” said Enza Sleva, ������Ƶ's Chief Student Experience Officer. “Our role is to get them in front of the right people, in the right places, with the right experiences to back them up. When Tesla comes looking for builders, we know our students are ready to show what they’ve done."

One of the key themes of the visit was evidence of excellence — Tesla’s guiding principle for evaluating potential hires. It’s not about checking boxes on a resume; it’s about proving that a candidate has the drive, adaptability, and ingenuity to thrive in an environment that demands constant improvement.

Thad Ayres M’08, a Kettering alumnus and senior manager of semi service at Tesla, knows that expectation firsthand. “The evidence of exceptional ability — that’s the most important requirement. As a hiring manager at Tesla, if you can’t answer that, I can’t answer that for you. You don’t go to the next round, whether it’s a resume review or an interview. You have to have an answer for that.”

During the visit, Tesla’s engineers shared stories of their career paths — some conventional, some anything but. One had spent 13 years in satellite communications before pivoting to electric trucks. Another moved from automation and robotics to factorywide production systems. What they all had in common was a hunger to solve problems, an ability to adapt quickly, and a willingness to dive into the unknown.

It’s that same mindset that fuels Kettering’s approach to education. The University produces more than graduates. It creates engineers, innovators, and leaders who can thrive in high-stakes environments where change is the only constant.

Tesla moves fast. Kettering students do, too. And for those ready to prove they can build, solve, and push the boundaries of what’s possible, the opportunities are there.

"When you're up there in the sky, you're not just flying; you're carrying the responsibility of the future."

At just 16, Remington Steenwyk set sights on sustainability's vast, unexplored potential. Raised in Onekama, Michigan, and later residing in Caledonia, Remington possesses a passion for engineering that blossomed early. “Growing up in areas rich in natural beauty, I saw firsthand the impacts of environmental neglect,” she says. This exposure kindled her interest in finding practical solutions to pressing environmental issues, steering her to her current path.

“I wanted to tackle one of engineering's most pressing challenges: making flight more sustainable,” Steenwyk says. Now a senior at ������Ƶ, she is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering focusing on alternative energy and sustainability while Co-oping at QED Environmental Systems in Dexter, Michigan—her projects at QED focus on harvesting renewable energy and increasing the sustainability of products. “We're exploring everything from hydrogen to biofuels and even energy from waste,” she says.

The journey has been challenging, especially the implementation of new technologies. “Navigating the complexities of high-altitude CO2 emissions and the technicalities of renewable energy sources in aviation requires skill but persistence,” Remington says. Her role involves conducting extensive research and practical tests to identify the most efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Remington has two patents currently pending approval. The first is for a pump puller to help workers safely remove tubes covered in toxic sludge from the bottom of landfill wells. Her design allows a worker to let go of the tubing without the pump falling back into the well or dragging the worker with it. Remington designed her pump puller to be universal and fit all well types.

The second patent is for a new pneumatic pump design, which is the focal point of Remington’s thesis work. Her design would allow all moving parts of the pump to be above ground so workers would have easy access. The potential result is that the pump would be more resilient, require less maintenance, and run longer. Remington hopes her design will be less expensive to build than the models in use today. Right now, Remington is working on testing her design.

Reflecting on her experiences, Remington is optimistic about her future and the role she hopes to play in a greener industry. “My aim is to reduce industry's ecological footprint significantly,” she says. She is driven by a blend of technical interest and a profound commitment to environmental stewardship.

Remington's proactive approach to fostering inclusivity extends beyond personal success; she aims to inspire and empower other women. “It's crucial for women entering STEM to see they are not alone and their contributions are essential,” she says. Through her role as treasurer of Pi Tau Sigma, the International Honor Society for Mechanical Engineers, and her participation in the Society of Women Engineers, Remington participates in initiatives encouraging more women to enter and thrive in engineering fields.

Looking ahead, Remington envisions her career will combine innovation with practical applications and hopes to inspire more sustainable practices across the aviation industry. “Sustainability isn't just a part of my job description—it's a guiding principle for the future of engineering,” she concludes, hopeful that engineers like her will shape a more sustainable world.

57 students will receive the state’s coveted scholarship incentives of $5,000 for Co-ops and up to $10,000 for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation

----------------------------------------------------

������Ƶ, founded to support workforce and talent development in 1919, is proud to be a partner in MEDC's mission to recruit talent and fill jobs in Michigan’s mobility, electric vehicle, and semiconductor industries.

FLINT, Mich. — ������Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 57 Kettering students to represent the University’s fourth class of Michigander Scholars. This is the largest cohort of students to benefit from the program since ������Ƶ began granting the awards in the spring of 2024. The innovative Michigander Scholars program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer or as a software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company. More than 150 scholarships have been awarded to date, and more than 100 Kettering students and recent graduates have been recognized as part of this groundbreaking program.

The Michigander Scholars program offers exclusive opportunities for top tech and engineering students in Michigan, including career guidance, paid internships, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Participating universities gain valuable insights into the skills employers seek, and key employers across the state benefit from early access to a pipeline of highly skilled talent. Many of Kettering's Co-op employer partners are qualified employers as part of this program, including Ford, GM, BorgWarner, Bosch, Hemlock Semiconductor, Magna, Mahle, Nissan, Our Next Energy Inc., and ZF.

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough. We must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said Kerry Ebersole Singh, MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer, during a joint MEDC-������Ƶ press conference last Spring on Kettering’s campus. “The Michigander Scholars program is a win-win-win. Michigan benefits by promoting its top-tier universities; students gain invaluable hands-on workforce training through paid internships; and our state’s innovative companies secure a steady stream of highly educated, motivated professionals. This program exemplifies what’s possible when public and private sectors collaborate for a brighter future.”

The Michigander Scholars program, the first of its kind in the United States, represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s leading advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC’s mission is to increase the retention of college graduates in critical areas of Michigan’s growing technology and knowledge economy. This MEDC initiative is a vital talent retention strategy that promotes key careers, recruits talent, and fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, industries essential to Michigan’s economic growth.

������Ƶ's unique 50-50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment is ideally positioned to support this initiative. U.S. News & World Report recently recognized Kettering as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships, and the Wall Street Journal named it one of the top 10 colleges in the country for career preparation. The University also ranks No. 1 in Michigan in return on investment (ROI) for undergraduate studies, according to PayScale.com.

The fourth class of ������Ƶ Michigander Scholars includes:

• FORD FULL-TIME AWARD
  • David Faulkner, Holly, Michigan, Holly High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Amanda Koziol, Shelby Township, Michigan, Eisenhower Senior High School, Class of 2024, Computer Science
• FORD CO-OP AWARD
  • Thomas Borst, Plymouth, Michigan, Plymouth High School, Class of  2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Easton Brissette, Fairgrove, Michigan, Seton Home Study School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Olivia Brothers, White Lake, Michigan, Lakeland High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Janice James, Biloxi, Mississippi, St. Hugh’s High School for Girls, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • Megan Judd, Warren, Michigan, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
  • Justin Poiner, Wixom, Michigan, Walled Lake Western High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Hailey Rowley, Jackson, Michigan, Northwest High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
• GM FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Jackson Alarie, Clarkston, Michigan, Clarkston High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Daniel Barta, Harrison Township, Michigan, University Liggett School, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
  • Tyler Bourassa, Linden, Michigan, Linden High School, Class of 2024, MBA
  • Nathan Cahilig, Warren, Michigan, International Academy of Macomb, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Robbie Dehaan, Ortonville, Michigan, Brandon High School, Class of 2024, Computer Engineering
  • Brenden Londeau, White Lake, Michigan, International Academy West, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Khushi Mann, Sterling Heights, Michigan, Sterling Heights High School, Class of 2023, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alayna Reed, Clinton Township, Michigan, Class of 2023, Electrical Engineering
• GM CO-OP AWARD
  • Paige Field, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Class of 2025, Industrial Engineering
  • Alyssa Hagan, Highland, Michigan, International Academy West Campus, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Shane Hurley, Canton, Michigan, Canton High School, Class of 2026, Computer Engineering
  • Ria Kapoor, Northville, Michigan, Northville High School, Class of 2028, Management
  • Camden Knaak, Hudsonville, Michigan, Jenison High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
  • Patrick Pilchowski, Highland, Michigan, Milford High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Abhiram Sanikommu, Troy, Michigan, Troy High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • Ethan Shaw, Howell, Michigan, Hartland High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Christa Spencer, Ortonville, Michigan, Brandon High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Ryan Stiles, Gladwin, Michigan, Farmington High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Brandon Vivian, Milford, Michigan, Milford High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Grayson Whaley, Rochester, Michigan, Stoney Creek High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
• BORGWARNER FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Jordan Stolberg, Rochester, New York, Brighton High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
• BORGWARNER CO-OP AWARD
  • Justin Bankston, Harper Woods, Michigan, Renaissance High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Valeria Dillanes Gonzalez, Bahla De Banderas, Mexico, Harkness Institute, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
  • Xavier Omozokpia, Clinton Township, Michigan, DeLaSalle Collegiate High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Noah Spriet, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
• BOSCH CO-OP AWARD
  • Alexandra Cabaj, Fenton, Michigan, Hartland High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Logan Greshak, Middleville, Michigan, West Michigan Aviation Academy, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Bassam Jehangir, Bedford, New Hampshire, Bedford High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alexandra Kerry, Richmond, Michigan, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Andreas Lanni, Commerce Township, Michigan, Detroit Catholic Central High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Lance Lipasek, Washington, Michigan, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Liam McCullough-Campbell, Ottawa Hills, Ohio, Ottawa Hills High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • David Strzelewicz, West Bloomfield, Michigan, St. Mary's Preparatory, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
• HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR CO-OP AWARD
  • Rameira Davis, Flint, Michigan, Genesee Early College, Class of 2027, Chemical Engineering
  • Michael Huot, Fenton, Michigan, Lake Fenton High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
• MAGNA FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Nicholas Young, Highland, Michigan, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
• MAGNA CO-OP AWARD
  • Sarah Samji, Troy, Michigan, Class of 2026, Computer Science
  • Joseph Vandeputte, Clarkston, Michigan, Clarkston High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
• MAHLE CO-OP AWARD
  • Christopher Ciak, Swartz Creek, Michigan, Swartz Creek High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
  • Connor O'Keefe, Vancouver, Washington, iTech Preparatory, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Parker Rath, Fenton, Michigan, Genesee Christian High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • Benjamin Spore, Howell, Michigan, Howell High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• NISSAN FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Paige Hunger, Almont, Michigan, Almont High School, Class of 2023, Mechanical Engineering
• OUR NEXT ENERGY INC. FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Aaron Spengler, Rockford, Michigan, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• ZF CO-OP AWARD
  • Jace Hund, Howell, Michigan, Howell High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jace Kanitz, Shelby Township, Michigan, Utica High School, Class of 2027, Chemical Engineering
  • Mario Moustafa, Warren, Michigan, Bishop Foley Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Blake Ronne, Shelby Township, Michigan, Eisenhower Senior High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering

The state’s coveted scholarship incentive awards students $5,000 for Co-ops and up to $10,000 for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation

----------------------------------------------------

������Ƶ, founded to support workforce and talent development in 1919, is proud to be a partner in MEDC's goal to recruit talent and fill jobs in Michigan’s mobility, electric vehicle, and semiconductor industries.

������Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 29 Kettering students who represent the University’s third class of Michigander Scholars. The program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying Scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer, or as a software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company and commit to staying in Michigan for 12 months. To date, more than 75 Kettering students and recent graduates have been recognized as part of this growing program. Read more about the program’s opportunities . The most recent list of ������Ƶ students who earned these scholarships is at the end of this release. 

The Michigander Scholars program is the first of its kind in the United States and represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s major advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC’s mission is to increase retention of college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy. The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy by the MEDC that promotes key careers, recruits talent, and fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, which are key to helping grow the state’s population now and in the future.

In its 2023 report, the bipartisan Growing Michigan Together Council cited a lack of access to internships and opportunities for meaningful on-the-job experience before entering the full-time workforce as one reason for Michigan’s student exodus. The Michigander Scholars program works to reverse that trend by offering more of those educational experiences in the state. ������Ƶ is well-suited for this task as the school has specialized in a unique 50-50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment since its inception in 1919. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Kettering as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships. The Wall Street Journal also recently named Kettering as one of the top 10  colleges in the country when it comes to career preparation.

“������Ƶ has a long history of preparing students to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of the state’s most innovative industries,” said Kettering President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “The Michigander Scholars program is a robust talent retention strategy that aligns perfectly with Kettering’s Co-op model and our mission to provide our students with an educational experience built upon a best-in-class education combined with hands-on work experience. 

“One powerful result of our talented students and graduates building careers here is they act as critical fuel for Michigan’s high-tech industries, whose success is built upon attracting and retaining highly educated, accomplished, and motivated graduates. ������Ƶ is proud to be one of only a handful of institutions and the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative.”. 

The Michigander Scholars program is one of many innovative solutions the MEDC Talent Solutions division has developed to meet the tech workforce recruitment challenges of Michigan’s major industries. The program offers top tech and engineering students in Michigan an exclusive close-up of the EV/mobility and semiconductor industries; career guidance and job-seeking support; and networking opportunities with industry employers. Universities receive additional lines of sight into the skills employers are looking for in students, and key employers across the state have early and direct access to a pipeline of talent for internships and new postgrad positions. 

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough — we must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh during the joint MEDC-������Ƶ press conference held March 20 on the University’s campus. 

“The Michigander Scholars program presents a win-win-win scenario,” Ebersole Singh said. “Michigan wins by promoting our advanced manufacturing employers, career opportunities, and top-tier universities. It’s a win for students at Michigan colleges and Michiganders attending college out of state to gain real-world, hands-on workforce training through paid internships. And it’s a win for our state’s innovative companies to develop talent pipelines that are fundamental to their success.”

������Ƶ announced its partnership with the MEDC and the inaugural class of 26 Michigander Scholars in April during the 2024 Spring Co-op fair, which provided the ideal stage for the announcement. Those in attendance included prospective and current Kettering students and more than 100 Co-op employer partners, many of whom could become part of The Michigan Scholars program.

The full list of employer and university participants in The Michigander Scholars program can be found at.

Recognized are the ������Ƶ Michigander Scholars.

• FORD FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Spenser Keys, Huntington Woods, MI, Berkley High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
• GM FULL-TIME AWARD
  • William Raines, Clarkston, MI, Clarkston High School, Class of ’24, Computer Science
• GM CO-OP AWARD
  • Brandon Bednarz, South Lyon, MI, Dexter High School, Class of ’24, Electrical Engineering
  • Bryan Burkhardt, Goodrich, MI, Goodrich High School, Class of ’25, Mechanical Engineering
  • Nicholas Dodge, Canton, MI, Salem High School, Class of ’26, Computer Engineering
  • Ian Gibson, Highland, MI, Milford High School, Class of ’26, Electrical Engineering
  • David Glover, St. Louis, MO, St. Mary's High School, Class of ’25, Computer Science
  • Shane Hurley, Canton, MI, Canton High School, Class of ’26, Computer Engineering
  • Ria Kapoor, Northville, MI, Northville High School, Class of ’28, Management
  • Patrick Pilchowski, Highland, MI, Milford High School, Class of ’27, Electrical Engineering
  • Anthony Ply, Lake Orion, MI, Lake Orion High School, Class of ’26, Mechanical Engineering
  • Ethan Shaw, Howell, MI, Hartland High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
  • Christa Spencer, Ortonville, MI, Brandon High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
• FORD CO-OP AWARD
  • Matthew Attisha, Shelby Township, MI, Utica Center for Math, Science and Technology, Class of ’24, Computer Engineering
  • Douglas Ray, Rochester, MI, Stoney Creek High School, Class of ’24, Computer Engineering
  • Andrew Ricard, Macomb, MI, Class of ’26, Computer Science
• MAGNA CO-OP AWARD
  • Luke Baysinger, St. Clair, MI, St. Clair High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
• BORGWARNER CO-OP AWARD
  • Mason Dalrymple, Blanchard, MI, Montabella High School, Class of ’25, Mechanical Engineering
  • Valeria Dillanes Gonzalez, Bahia De Banderas, MX, Harkness Institute, Class of ’28, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jaydin Freeman, Auburn Hills, MI, Avondale High School, Class of ’25, Computer Science
  • Matthias Mackay, Zionsville, IN, Lutheran High School, Class of ’25, Computer Engineering
  • Xavier Omozokpia, Clinton Township, MI, DeLasalle High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alexis Taylor, Mount Clemens, MI, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of ’26, Industrial Engineering
• HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR CO-OP AWARD
  • Rameira Davis, Flint, MI, Genesee Early College, Class of ’28, Chemical Engineering
  • Andres Flores, Saginaw, MI, Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, Class of ’26, Mechanical Engineering
• BOSCH CO-OP AWARD
  • Bassam Jehangir, Bedford, NH, Bedford High School, Class of ’26, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jacob Nelson, Sterling Heights, MI, Cousino High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering
  • Frank Tilli, Clarkston, MI, Detroit Country Day High School, Class of ’25, Computer Science
• MAHLE CO-OP AWARD
  • Benjamin Spore, Howell, MI, Howell High School, Class of ’24, Mechanical Engineering

July 30, 2024 - ������Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 38 Kettering students who represent the University’s second class of Michigander Scholars. The program offers scholarships of $5,000 to $10,000 to qualifying Scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer, or software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company and commit to staying in Michigan for 12 months. Read more about program opportunities . The entire list of ������Ƶ students who earned these scholarships is at the end of this release. 

The Michigander Scholars program is the first of its kind in the U.S. and represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s major advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC’s aim is to improve on retaining college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy. The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy by the MEDC that will promote key careers, recruit talent, and fill in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, which are key to helping grow the state’s population now and in the future.

In its 2023 report, the bipartisan Growing Michigan Together Council cited a lack of access to internships and opportunities for meaningful on-the-job experience before entering the full-time workforce as one reason for Michigan’s student exodus. The Michigander Scholars program aims to reverse that trend by offering more such educational experiences in the state. ������Ƶ is well suited for this task as the school has specialized in a unique 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment since its inception in 1919. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Kettering as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships.

“������Ƶ has a long history of preparing students to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of the state’s most innovative industries. The Michigander Scholars program is a robust talent retention strategy that aligns perfectly with Kettering’s Co-op model and our mission to provide our students with an educational experience built upon a best-in-class education combined with hands-on work experience,” said Kettering President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan. 

“One powerful result of our talented students and graduates building careers here is they act as critical fuel for Michigan’s high-tech industries, whose success is built upon attracting and retaining highly educated, accomplished, and motivated graduates. ������Ƶ is proud to be one of only a handful of institutions and the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative,” said McMahan. 

The Michigander Scholars program is one of many innovative solutions developed by the MEDC Talent Solutions division to help meet the tech workforce recruitment challenges of Michigan’s major industries. The program offers top tech and engineering students in Michigan an exclusive close-up of the EV/mobility and semiconductor sectors, career guidance and job-seeking support, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Universities are provided with additional lines of sight into the skills that employers are looking for in students and key employers across the state have early and direct access to a pipeline of talent for internships and new postgrad positions. 

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough – we must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said MEDC  Executive Vice President & Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh during the joint MEDC/������Ƶ press conference held March 20 on the University’s campus. 

“The Michigander Scholars program presents a win-win-win scenario,” Ebersole Singh said. “Michigan wins by promoting our advanced manufacturing employers, career opportunities, and top-tier universities. It’s a win for students at Michigan colleges and Michiganders attending college out of state to gain real-world, hands-on workforce training through paid internships. And it’s a win for our state’s innovative companies to develop talent pipelines that are fundamental to their success.”

In February,  the MEDC added ������Ƶ in Flint and Wayne State University in Detroit as new higher education partners. With Kettering’s unique Co-op and academic programs in mind, computer and process engineers were added to the list of career roles eligible for scholarships. At the same time, the Michigan Scholars program was expanded to allow for sophomores and graduate students to be eligible for participation.

������Ƶ’s partnership with the MEDC was announced during the 2024 Spring Co-op fair, which provided the ideal stage for the announcement. Those in attendance included prospective and current Kettering students and more than 100 Co-op employer partners, many of whom could potentially become part of the Michigan Scholars program.

Several new employers also joined the program, including Hemlock Semiconductor, SK Siltron CSS, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Mobis. Those companies joined existing employer partners that included General Motors, Ford, BorgWarner, LG Energy Solutions, and DENSO.

The full list of employer and university participants in The Michigander Scholars program is at.

Recognized are the ������Ƶ Michigander Scholars.

• GM - FULL-TIME AWARDS
  • James (Robbie) Dehaan, Ortonville, MI, Brandon High School, Class of 2024 Computer Engineering 
  • Brett Langland, Southington, CT, Southington High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Zachary Rosol, Harper Woods, MI, Henry Ford II High School, Computer Engineering
  • Felipe Villalobos, Richmond, CA, Making Waves Academy, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• GM - CO-OP AWARDS
  • Nathan Cahilig, Warren, MI, International Academy of Macomb, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
  • Danielle Ciokajlo, Farmington Hills, MI, Farmington High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alyssa Hagan, Highland, MI, International Academy West Campus, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Camden Knaak, Hudsonville, MI, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering 
  • Julie Marchioni, St. Clair Shores, MI, Lake Shore High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Joseph Phan, Grand Rapids, MI, West Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Ashmit Swarnkar, Novi, MI, Novi High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • Brandon Vivian, Milford, MI, Milford High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
• FORD MOTOR COMPANY - FULL-TIME AWARDS
  • Leah Garcynski, Canton, MI, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
  • Ethan VanCoillie, St Clair Shores, MI, Lakeview High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• FORD MOTOR COMPANY - CO-OP AWARDS
  • Thomas Borst, Plymouth, MI, Plymouth High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Easton Brissette, Fairgrove, MI, Seton Home Study School, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Olivia Brothers, White Lake, MI, Lakeland High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Janice James, Biloxi, MS, St. Hugh's High School for Girls, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • Megan Judd, Warren, MI, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
  • Justin Poiner, Wixom, MI, Walled Lake Western High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Andrew Ricard, Macomb, MI, Class of 2026, Computer Science 
  • Hailey Rowley, Jackson, MI, Northwest High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Jazmin Thomas, Mount Morris, MI, Class of 2025, Computer Science
• BORGWARNER - CO-OP AWARDS
  • Jackson Alarie, Clarkston, MI, Clarkston High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Matthias Mackay, Zionsville, IN, Lutheran High School of Indianapolis, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
  • Alexis Taylor, Mount Clemens, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of 2026, Industrial Engineering
• BOSCH - CO-OP AWARDS
  • Alexandra Cabaj, Fenton, MI, Hartland High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Adria Dixon, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Logan Greshak, Middleville, MI, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Alexandra Kerry, Richmond, MI, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
  • Liam McCullough-Campbell, Ottawa Hills, OH, Ottawa Hills High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • Timothy Vokal, Midland, MI, Midland High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
• MAGNA - CO-OP AWARD
  • Joseph Vandeputte, Clarkston, MI, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• MAHLE - CO-OP AWARD
  • Gavin Krebs, Cranberry Township, PA, North Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Connor O'Keefe, Vancouver, WA, iTech Preparatory, Class of 2025, Computer Science
• MOBIS - CO-OP AWARD
  • Ansh Suryavanshi, New Delhi, India, Class of 2026, Computer Science
• ZF - CO-OP AWARD
  • Jace Hund, Howell, MI, Howell High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jace Kanitz, Shelby Township, MI, Utica High School, Class of 2027, Chemical Engineering

������Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) introduced the 26 Kettering students who represent the university’s inaugural class of The Michigander Scholars recipients, the largest incoming class total produced by any Michigan public or private university.

The program offers scholarships for $5,000 to $10,000 to qualifying Scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical or process engineer or software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company and commit to staying in Michigan for 12 months. Read more about program opportunities . 

They were honored as Kettering’s first-ever winners of the state’s coveted scholarship incentive in partnership with General Motors (13 students), Ford (5 students), BorgWarner (3 students), Bosch (3 students), ZF (1 student) and Hemlock Semiconductor (1 student).

Recognized are the ������Ƶ inaugural class of Michigander Scholars.

• GM – FULL-TIME AWARDS
  • Henry Grasman, Flushing, MI, Powers High School, Class of 2024, Computer Engineering
  • Alex Moening, Highland, MI, Milford High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Drew Taylor, Fenton, MI, Fenton High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Matthew Veneziano, Jackson, MI, Western High School, Class of 2024, Computer Engineering
• GM – CO-OP AWARDS
  • Bryan Burkhardt, Goodrich, MI, Davison High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Nicholas Dodge, Canton, MI, Salem High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
  • Ian Gibson, Highland, MI, Milford High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
  • David Glover, St. Louis, MO, St. Mary’s High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
  • Sophia Hazelwood, North Branch, MI, North Branch High School, Class of 2026, Computer Science
  • Brenden Londeau, White Lake, MI, International Academy West, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Roan Patrick, Milford, MI, International Academy, Class of 2026, Industrial Engineering
  • Ryan Stiles, Farmington Hills, MI, Farmington High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering  
  • Brandon Bednarz, South Lyon, MI, Dexter High School, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
• FORD MOTOR COMPANY – FULL-TIME AWARDS
  • Jacqueline Kocik, Red Hook, NY, Red Hook Senior High School, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering
  • Logan Taylor, DeWitt, MI, DeWitt High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Megan Wojciechowski, East Amherst, NY, Clarence High School, Mechanical Engineering
• FORD MOTOR COMPANY – CO-OP AWARDS
  • Matthew Attisha, Shelby Township, Utica Center for Math, Science, and Technology, Class of 2024, Computer and Electrical Engineering
  • Doug Ray, Rochester, MI, Stoney Creek High School, Class of 2025, Computer and Electrical Engineering
• BORGWARNER – CO-OP AWARDS
  • Mason Dalrymple, Blanchard, MI, Montabella High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • David Faulkner, Holly, MI, Holly High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jaydin Freeman, Auburn Hills, MI, Avondale High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
• BOSCH – CO-OP AWARDS
  • Lance Lipasek, Clinton Township, Chippewa Valley High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jacob Nelson, Sterling Heights, MI, Cousino High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
  • Frank Tilli, Clarkston, MI, Detroit Country Day High School, Class of 2025, Computer Science
• ZF – CO-OP AWARD
  • Kevin Lawrence, Davison, MI, Davison High School, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering
• HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR – CO-OP AWARD
  • Andres Flores, Saginaw, MI, Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, Class of 2024, Mechanical Engineering

The Michigander Scholars program is the first of its kind in the U.S. and represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s major advanced manufacturing employers and universities.

“������Ƶ is proud to be the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said Kettering President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan during a press conference at the campus that coincided with its spring employment fair, which included nearly 400 students connecting with over 100 companies from Michigan and other states.

“The Michigander Scholars program is a robust talent retention strategy that aligns with Kettering’s co-op model with the mission to provide real hands-on work experience promoting key careers and providing highly educated talent and graduates to fill in-demand jobs in Michigan’s high-tech industries,” McMahan said.

It’s one of many innovative solutions developed by the MEDC Talent Solutions division to help meet the tech workforce recruitment challenges of Michigan’s major industries. 

The Michigander Scholars program offers top tech and engineering students in Michigan an exclusive close-up of the EV/mobility and semiconductor sectors, career guidance and job-seeking support, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Universities are provided with additional lines of sight into the skills that employers are looking for in students. And key employers across the state have early and direct access to a pipeline of talent for internships and new postgrad positions. 

“We are creating top talent here in Michigan, but that’s not enough – we must also be proactive to retain our young professionals and ensure that experienced talent can continue to thrive in Michigan,” said MEDC  Executive Vice President & Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh.

The Michigander Scholars program presents a win-win-win scenario,” Ebersole Singh said.

“Michigan wins by promoting our advanced manufacturing employers, career opportunities, and top-tier universities. It’s a win for students at Michigan colleges, and Michiganders attending college out of state, to gain real-world, hands-on workforce training through paid internships. And it’s a win for our state’s innovative companies to develop talent pipelines that are fundamental to their success.”

In February, The Michigan Scholars program was expanded to make sophomores and graduate students eligible for scholarships and computer and process engineers were added as career roles. Also, the MEDC added ������Ƶ in Flint and Wayne State University in Detroit as new higher education partners, as well as several new employers, including Hemlock Semiconductor, SK Siltron CSS, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Mobis.

Those companies join existing employer partners participating in the program such as General Motors, Ford, Hemlock Semiconductor, BorgWarner, LG Energy Solutions and DENSO, while Kettering and Wayne State join the MEDC’s existing higher ed partnerships with Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University and the University of Michigan campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint.

The full list of employer and university participants in The Michigander Scholars program is at .

The MEDC’s aim is to improve on retaining college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy. The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy by the MEDC that will promote key careers, recruit talent and fill in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries that are key to helping grow the state’s population now and in the future.

Among the reasons the bipartisan Growing Michigan Together Council cited in its 2023 report for Michigan’s student exodus is a lack of access to internships and opportunities for meaningful on-the-job experience prior to entering the full-time workforce. In the absence of a clear track for career growth with a Michigan-based company, young talent will continue to seek high-paying jobs with employers in other states and regions with concentrated industries and networks of professionals, exacerbating the state’s existing labor shortage.

The benefits provided through The Michigander Scholars program is a start on the path toward reversing that trend, according to MEDC, Kettering and industry leaders. Kettering, for example, was selected among the nation’s best universities for co-ops and internships by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024 rankings.

CNN recently highlighted The Michigander Scholars program, , as among a trend of many states and cities that are seizing the opportunity to attract new residents through innovative incentives. From tax breaks to cash incentives, these programs are designed to attract a diverse range of talent and strengthen local economies.
 

������Ƶ, a leader in Cooperative STEM education, is excited to announce its participation in the State of Michigan’s prestigious "Michigander" Scholars program, and is the only private institution to be invited to join the initiative. The Michigander Scholars program, spearheaded by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), aims to inspire and support college students aspiring to build careers in the electric vehicle (EV)/mobility or semiconductor industries.

Under the expanded Michigander Scholars program, ������Ƶ joins forces with its existing roster of esteemed Co-op employer partners, including BorgWarner, Bosch, DENSO, Ford, General Motors, Hemlock Semiconductor, MAGNA, Mahle, Our Next Energy, Toyota, and ZF along with the opportunity to connect with other program partners Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota. 

“������Ƶ is the only private school approved for The Michigander Scholars initiative, and we are thrilled that the MEDC recognizes our impact in the mobility and EV sectors. Since 1919, Kettering has prepared students for careers in the most cutting-edge high-tech fields,” said ������Ƶ President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan. 

“No one else does Co-op like Kettering where half of the college experience is hands-on classroom learning and half is paid Co-op employment. Leveraging our existing Co-op relationships with many of the MEDC’s partner employers makes our participation a win-win-win for our students, employers, and the State of Michigan,” McMahan said. “Kettering students are already found throughout these industries, and The Michigander Scholars program offers another tremendous opportunity to retain such talent here in Michigan.” 

Under the Michigander Scholars program, Kettering students can seize a $5,000 scholarship for Co-ops with eligible partner employers. Those who accept full-time positions after graduation are eligible for enhanced benefits, potentially receiving up to a $10,000 incentive. Importantly, graduates committing to live and work in Michigan for one year post-graduation will enjoy these enhanced scholarship benefits, contributing to the local workforce and promoting Michigan's prominence in these cutting-edge industries.

Managed by Kettering’s Co-op team in partnership with the MEDC’s Talent Solutions division, the Michigander Scholars program sets an ambitious goal. It aims to engage 500 students passionate about the EV/mobility or semiconductor industries by the end of 2024, with the target of approving 350 scholarship recipients in these fields by September 30. 

“The Michigander Scholars program is a critical talent retention strategy that will promote key careers, recruit talent and fill in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries that are key to helping grow our state’s population now and, in the future,” said MEDC Higher Education Partnerships Director Ava Attari. 

“We need to improve on retaining college graduates in the most critical areas of the growing technology and knowledge economy, and The Michigander Scholars is a fundamental part of our strategy,” Attari said.

About The Michigander Scholars Program

The Michigander Scholars program focuses on Michigan university students earning technology or engineering degrees in career fields that are important to Michigan employers. As a Scholar, students participating in the program can earn a scholarship, as well as gain access to networking opportunities, industry education, internships, and jobs already fulfilled through Kettering’s Co-op program.

Priority degree programs for consideration include Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science.  Kettering and MEDC will consider other degrees, such as Chemical and Mechanical Engineering if the student works in related areas of EV/Mobility and/or Semiconductors. Concentrations such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, and AI will also be considered.

Active participants in The Michigander Scholars program are eligible in their sophomore, junior, and senior years to receive up to $10,000 in scholarships.

• Up to $5,000 in scholarship for each Co-op for up to two Co-ops after accepting a Co-op position with a participating partner company.
• Or $10,000 awarded to students who accept a full-time job offer from a participating partner company and commit to staying in Michigan for at least 12 months.

The Michigander Scholars program aligns Michigan’s focus industries and the MEDC industry-specialized Talent Action Teams to make sure students, universities, and employers are working toward common goals.