The Michigan Townships Association offers the Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship for students pursuing a career in public administration. The scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis, and applicants are considered on several factors, including academic achievement, community involvement, and commitment to local government administration.
 
Requirements include: a letter of recommendation from a professor or instructor; a copy of a resolution of support from an MTA-member township board in good standing; and a short essay on an important issue facing local government. All applications are due by May 31, 2017.
 
The scholarship, up to $1,000, is available to a junior, senior, or graduate student in a Michigan college or university pursuing a career in public administration, public affairs management or some other field closely related to local government administration.
 
Last year's Robinson Scholarship winners, Darwin Roche from Clinton Charter Township and Maggan Brown from Oakland Charter Township, met the criteria of academic achievement, community involvement, and commitment to a career in local government administration.

The Michigan Townships Association promotes the interests of township government by fostering strong, vibrant communities; advocating legislation to meet 21st century challenges; developing knowledgeable township officials and enthusiastic supporters of township government; and encouraging ethical practices of elected officials who uphold the traditions and unique characteristics of township government and the values of the people of Michigan.

The scholarship will help both achieve their goals of pursuing master degrees in public administration. Roche has set his sights on one day becoming a municipal manager of a Michigan community, while Brown, who is township assistant clerk, hopes to become an assistant manager for a small or mid-sized community.
 
As MTA's second executive director, Robert R. Robinson was dedicated to townships and to furthering the form of government closest to the people. By creating the Robinson Scholarship, he was ensuring the continued support of young people working toward higher education, and who can help shape our future and support the values and protect township government along with the Michigan residents it serves.
 
To learn more, please feel free to contact Aimee West directly at (517) 321-6467, email jenn[at]michigantownships.org, or visit MTA's Robert R. Robinson Scholarship Web page, www.michigantownships.org/scholarship.asp.