NF Michigan is pleased to announce the offering of The Austin Volkert Memorial Scholarship to qualified students.
This scholarship program was established in 2018 in memory of Austin McEwen Volkert of Rockford, MI. Funds were donated by family and friends of Austin and will continue through the generosity of future donors. Austin was a graduate of Lake Michigan High School in Grand Rapids and dreamed of becoming a police officer. He was a staunch law abider who was passionate about rescue dogs, finding the best slice of pizza, and was a fervent Chicago Blackhawks hockey fan. Austin is survived by his parents, Scott and Shelley Volkert, his older brother, Zack, his younger twin sisters, Emma and Claire, and his rescue dog, Winnie.
If you are a high school senior, or post high school student, with neurofibromatosis I, II, or schwannomatosis and you live in or attend a post-secondary school NF Michigan’s service area you are eligible to apply for a $1,000 academic scholarship from NF Michigan for the 2026-2027 school year. Recipients will be awarded based on the selection process below:
Timeline
Application open: January 22, 2026
Application due: May 15, 2026
Awards announced: May 22, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify you must meet the following criteria:
Diagnosed with NF or schwannomatosis
Entering or currently enrolled in an undergraduate program - Associates, Bachelors, or Vocational as a full-time or part-time student (part-time students must be enrolled for at least 6 credits to apply)
Live in NF Michigan’s service area (state of MI – including the U.P.) or attend one of Michigan’s colleges, tech training schools, or universities.
Selection Process:
You will be evaluated based on character, community service involvement; including any NF related activates, and evidence of determination and persistence through difficulties related to living with NF. Upon receipt of your application, NF Michigan’s Scholarship committee will conduct the following review:
Applications will go through an initial review to ensure all information requested has been submitted by the deadline. If your application is incomplete or not on time, it will not be considered.
Scholarship recipients will be selected by the committee based on criteria met. Individuals will be awarded $1,000 scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year. The number of scholarships awarded will depend on the number of qualified applicants and the amount of funds available to award.
Along with your completed signed application the following is required:
A letter from a physician certifying diagnosis
A personal statement essay (see application for writing prompt)
A letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach or mentor
An official HS transcript
An acceptance letter from an institution of higher learning or confirmation of enrollment
An official college transcript (for those already enrolled in a post high school program)
Award Announcements:
Award recipients will be notified by email and / or phone call by May 15, 2026. Applicants who are not selected will be notified by email or letter by May 30, 2026. Scholarship checks will be made out to the college or school of attendance.
For questions regarding eligibility, please contact Terri Rausch.
