Five Bay College TRIO students earn statewide scholarships

ESCANABA - Five Bay College TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) students were selected as scholarship recipients through a scholarship process hosted by Michigan College Access Program & Personnel (MICAPP). The students include Chad Drummonds, Gabrielle LeBeau, Destiny Lopez, Travis Mills and Lara Ryan.

Students from community colleges and universities across Michigan applied for the scholarships in two categories, recognizing both academic achievement and academic progress.

As scholarship recipients, the students attended the 2026 MICAPP Student Leadership Summit (SLS) held February 27 through March 1 in Lansing, Mich. During the summit, each student delivered a speech as part of the scholarship recognition ceremony in front of attendees from a broad geographic region.

"They were competing against students from colleges and universities across Michigan," said Matt Stewart, Director of TRIO Student Support Services at Bay College. "To have five of our students selected is a great accomplishment."

Beyond the scholarship ceremony, students had the opportunity to choose breakout sessions that best fit their goals. Offerings ranged from financial literacy and graduate school preparation to leadership development and professional branding, allowing each student to tailor the experience to their interests.

The summit also provided opportunities for students to connect with peers and professionals outside the local area while gaining exposure to academic and career pathways beyond their community.

"These opportunities are really important," Stewart said. "For many of our students, this was their first time speaking at a statewide event in front of that many people. They did a wonderful job, and we're really proud of them."