In 1860 when Andrew White, professor of history and of English literature, established with the Regents the first formal scholarships at the University of Michigan, he did so for reasons other than providing financial aid. From establishing scholarships for students from their high school or local area to encouraging students to enroll in certain fields, donors find that helping prepare tomorrow's leaders in ways close to the donors' hearts offers an appealing means of personally shaping the future. Students who receive Civitas scholarships pledge to use their degrees and training to benefit maltreated children and specifically to pursue careers that directly serve such children for the same number of years for which they received Civitas awards. Jacobs, who is not a U-M alumnus, has established Civitas programs at Loyola School of Law in Chicago to train law students to become specialized advocates for maltreated children, and at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston to train child psychiatrists and mental health professionals specializing in abused and neglected children. By protecting children, we protect our community and make it safer.
Child protection is tantamount to crime prevention.
The Bentley Scholars For students in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts programs, the Alvin M. Bentley Foundation in 1983 established the Bentley Scholarships for Michigan residents who have demonstrated academic excellence and promise. The late Alvin Bentley '40, '63 AM was active lifelong in government and civic affairs. He served four terms as 8th district representative to the US Congress, and, with his wife, Arvella, created a legacy for Michigan students that stands as one of the premiere programs of student support. Two scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen each year, maintaining eight Bentley scholars at the U-M in any given year and encouraging the brightest and best of Michigan resident students. To honor and continue for future generations the ideals of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the U-M's Alumni Association and its African American Alumni Council have awarded the Martin Luther King Scholarship since 1982.