Scholarship Fair links students to financial support

Students explored scholarships that Central Michigan University offers during a student-led fair in Bovee University Center’s rotunda on Feb. 20.

Representatives of various departments and colleges on campus guided students through various options, including support for study abroad programs.

This guidance is crucial, said Carolina Hernandez Ruiz, president of the Student Government Association. Ruiz organized the event for the second year in a row.

The fair connects students with essential resources that help them better manage the costs of their education, she said. It also highlights what financial support is available on campus.

“Many department scholarships often have limited applicants due to a lack of awareness,” Ruiz said. “Increasing visibility for these opportunities would not only encourage more applicants but also foster healthy competition and better address student financial need.”

Attendees agreed.

“I think this fair’s a helpful thing because students don’t know about scholarships and they can succeed,” said Pranali Chhapamohan, a sophomore in the College of Science and Engineering.

The fair was a collaboration between the Office of the Provost and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. SGA hosted it for the second year in a row, with an eye on future fairs.

“Our goal is to establish the scholarship fair as an annual campus event, similar to MainStage, ensuring long-term support for students’ financial well-being,” Ruiz said.