BROOKLYN, Mich. (April 23, 2015) — College can be an expensive financial investment, but MIS Cares is hoping to make it a little easier for five Jackson and Lenawee County students taking the next step in furthering education.
As part of an ongoing initiative to promote learning among students at all educational levels, MIS Cares will award $1,000 scholarships to five deserving high school seniors during a special reception later tonight in the Pit Road Suites at Michigan International Speedway.
Recipients include:
Student High School University Major
Matthew Brown Blissfield Michigan Technological Civil Engineering
Collin Mohler Madison Western Michigan Mechanical Engineering
Shayne Palmer Napoleon Michigan State Sociology
Trevor Powell Columbia Central Michigan State Genetics
Ashley Sierminski Michigan Center Grand Valley State Art, Art Therapy
The scholarship was open to any graduating senior in Jackson or Lenawee County who was entering a STEAM-related (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) field at a college or university in Michigan.
“The changing world of NASCAR, and really society, increases the dependence on the study of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “As a parent of three children, I fully understand the financial investment of a college education. We are happy to honor five students in their educational pursuits through MIS Cares.”
The winners of these scholarships will receive the monetary award during the winners’ second semester, provided they have passed all first semester classes with a “B” or better grade.
NASCAR’s fastest track is becoming known as a place for educational opportunity for students at all levels. Michigan International Speedway and Adrian College partnered to develop, Track and Explore, a first-of-its-kind science-related field trip program.
This unique partnership in sports allows hundreds of school children and college students from the region to benefit from learning about the ecosystem of the Irish Hills area, while also experiencing nature and conservancy that could contribute to their future work as scientists.
In only its third year in 2014, all the spots were filled for the second-consecutive year as more than 1,400 local students came to MIS as part of Track and Explore to learn about the area’s ecosystem. The feedback has shown that the program has been an overwhelming success.
MIS will welcome students from across the globe to the Irish Hills as part of the Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) competition in the spring. Students will compete in one of the most prestigious SAE Collegiate Design events. Formula SAE is an educational competition that challenges university undergraduate and graduate engineering students to design, build and compete in scaled-down, Formula-style autocross race cars.
MIS, through its Michigan Heritage trophy, also works with each of the NASCAR manufacturers – Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota – to annually award a youth-based, STEM-based organization a $40,000 grant. Last year, the Michigan Science Center in Detroit won the award, as a result of Chevrolet winning the Quicken Loans 400 in June and the Pure Michigan 400 race in August at MIS.
MIS Cares is a donor advised fund of the NASCAR Foundation, a 501 © (3) non-profit entity. The mission of MIS Cares is to create a lasting, positive impact on our community through charitable giving and volunteer efforts that cultivate community growth and advances quality of life.
MIS focuses on charity through the program MIS Cares. MIS and its sister company Americrown combined donated a total of $774,873 to local service groups and organizations through cash donations, work programs, grants and sponsorships, as well as tickets and merchandise that clubs raffle to raise money in 2014.
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.
Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Android and iPhone can now download Discover MIS, the official app of MIS, on Google Play and iTunes.
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2015 Michigan International Speedway Schedule:
Friday, Saturday 8 SPEEDWAY STOMP™ 5K paced by Experience Jackson
Saturday, May 9 Michigan Wine and Beer Fest presented by Experience Jackson
Friday, June 12 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards Corrigan Oil 200 and Sprint Cup Qualifying
Saturday, June 13 NASCAR XFINITY Series
Sunday, June 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400
July 17-19 Faster Horses Festival
Friday, Aug. 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice and Qualifying
Saturday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Careers for Veterans 200 presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation & Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation
Sunday, Aug. 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400
