The Walter E. Montgomery  “Against All Odds” Scholarship Fund, Inc. is a Michigan non- profit organization founded in 2021 to honor Walter E. Montgomery’s legacy and commitment to pursuing higher education.

Eligibility and Requirements:

• An applicant must meet all of the following criteria in order to be considered for a scholarship:

1. Scholarship recipient must be a High School Senior or GED Graduate within Oakland or Wayne County school districts.

2. The student must be enrolled in a Community College or Trade School within the state of Michigan during the 2024-2025 school year.

3. The student must indicate and provide documentation they will attend school full time (minimum of 12 credits).

4. The student must have at least a 2.5 GPA evidenced by a current transcript or attained their General Education Diploma (GED).

5. Awarded scholarship will be based on merit not need.

6. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the Community College or Trade School.

• Must submit the following documents with the completed application:

1. Two (2) original letters of reference signed and addressed to the Walter E. Montgomery “Against All Odds” Scholarship Fund, Inc.

2. A minimum of one reference letter from a school official (i.e., counselor, teacher, principal) or an employer, caseworker, mentor.

3. Reference letters from family members will not be accepted.

4. A copy of your Letter of Acceptance from the Community College or Trade School you will attend (must indicate student ID number).

• Applicants are required to write an essay based on the following prompt: 

“My Life Was Touched by a Life-Changing Hardship.” Please discuss how the event or circumstances impacted your life. Explain what you learned and how you have grown as a result of the experience. The essay should be between 250-500 words and submitted with your application.