Lansing Educational Advancement Foundation

The Lansing Educational Advancement Foundation (LEAF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1984 to support students and educators in the Lansing School District. LEAF works to raise and manage funds that enhance educational opportunities through scholarships, classroom mini-grants, fellowships, and special programs that benefit both teachers and students. Over the years, the foundation has raised more than $2 million to support innovative classroom projects, student scholarships, and educational initiatives that enrich the learning experience for Lansing students and staff. Its mission is to strengthen public education by engaging families, alumni, educators, and the broader community to provide resources that improve curriculum and expand opportunities for students.

Today, LEAF is connected with the work of the Lansing Promise, and its information and resources are now housed on the Lansing Promise website under the direction of Teri Bernero. Bringing LEAF under the Lansing Promise umbrella helps align both organizations’ missions of expanding educational opportunity for Lansing students—from supporting innovative learning experiences in K-12 classrooms to helping graduates pursue college or career pathways after high school. By housing LEAF alongside Lansing Promise, the organizations can better coordinate community support, streamline communication, and strengthen the overall impact of programs that support Lansing students throughout their educational journey.

LEAF Contact Information:
Teri Bernero, Administrative Liaison
517.775.0094 | bernero@lansingpromise.org

2026 Scholarships Announcement

• John Aldinger 4 Year Educational Scholarship: (2) $1500.00 award for 4 years
Priority will be given to students with high financial need who do not have any other funds available.

• South Lansing Kiwanis Scholarship: $1000.00 award

• Joan Weaver Visual Arts Scholarship: $1000.00 award
‍ ‍Joan Weaver was an arts teacher for many years in the Lansing School District.
• Students must major in the visual arts.

• Clayton Kowalk Athletic/Coaching Scholarship: $1000.00 award
‍ ‍Mr. Kowalk retired after 35 years of service with the Lansing Schools as a teacher, coach, and Director of Coaching at Sexton High School.
His Sexton basketball team had two State Championships.
• Student must have an interest in pursuing a degree in the field of physical education, coaching, athletics, athletic training, or teaching.
• Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

• Dr. Laurence MacQueen Scholarship: $1000.00 award
‍ ‍Dr. MacQueen served on the Lansing Educational Advancement Foundation and was a leader in the Michigan Education Association (MEA).
• Priority will be given to students who are pursuing a career in the field of education.
• Personal Statement must include an answer to the following question,
“What characteristics/experiences do I have that will allow me to influence others in a positive manner?”

• Maria Velasquez Scholarship: $1000.00 award
‍ ‍• Preference will be given to a student with a migrant family background or to be the first in their family to attend a college or university.
This information should be made known in the personal statement.
• Also include community involvement activities and explain how earning a college degree will assist in their future endeavors.

• Mark Mehaffey Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship: $500.00 award
‍ ‍Mark Mehaffey is a local artist and a retired Lansing School District art teacher.
• Students applying should show potential for leadership and have a 2.0 GPA or above.
• Students must plan to pursue a degree in either visual or performing arts.
• The scholarship may be used for art supplies, tuition for visual arts classes, materials, or lab fees.

• Eva Evans Scholarship: $500.00 award
‍ ‍To assist graduating seniors from the Lansing School District in pursuing a higher education in the visual and performing arts.

• Dr. Elizabeth Turpin Scholarship: $500 award
‍ ‍Dr. Turpin was a longtime educator in the Lansing School District. First as a teacher, then a principal.
• This scholarship is intended to support seniors in need who are interested in a career in education.

• Dr. W. E. Maldonado/Sparrow Scholarship: $2500.00 award
‍ ‍Dr. Maldonado is a retired former Chief of Medical Affairs at Sparrow Hospital.
• Only students who are enrolled in a medical/health career pathway will be considered.
• Priority will be given to students who have volunteered or already attended classes that pertain to a medical field.

• Dr. E. Sharon Banks: $1000.00 award
‍ ‍Dr. E. Sharon Banks retired from the Lansing School District in 2007 after serving several years as the superintendent.
This scholarship is to enable graduating seniors of the Lansing School District to continue an educational journey in the field of education.

• Dr. Richard Halik Scholarship: $1500.00 award
‍ ‍Dr. Halik retired from the Lansing School District after serving as a superintendent for many years.
The scholarship rotates between the three high schools. The scholarship will go to a Sexton senior this year.
• This award is for students who will be attending Lansing Community College, with a grade point average of 2.0-2.9, and have a need for financial assistance.
• The student is chosen by the building principal.

• Cecil Nickel Scholarship: (2) $2750.00 awards
‍ ‍Mr. Nickel was a physical education teacher and coach and a phenomenal supporter of Sexton’s youth.
• Students must be enrolled at Sexton High School.
• This scholarship is distributed and selected by an independent committee

• Cindy Short Memorial Scholarship: $1000.00 award
Cindy was the Athletic Director at Everett High School for many years.
• Priority will be given to students who have been involved in and would like to continue to pursue additional education in the field of education and/or athletics.
• This scholarship is distributed and selected by an independent committee.

Lansing Educational Advancement Foundation

• Silker Scholarship: $2000.00 award

• McLean Scholarship: $2000.00 award

• Windfuhr Scholarship: $2500.00 award

• Hinman Scholarship: $5000.00 award for each high school’s valedictorian. Also, top of class for Lansing Learning Hub and CAK12 Online Academy.

• Putnam Scholarship: $3000.00 award for a senior interested in a career in education.

• Spitler Scholarship: (2) $1500.00 award for Eastern graduates.

• Wheeler Scholarship: $2500.00 awards for Eastern graduates who show EHS pride, athleticism, and have demonstrated community service.
This scholarship is selected by the Eastern Awards Committee and is given in memory of Mr. Wheeler and Olive, former Eastern teachers.

• Hebbard Scholarship: (up to 10) $3000.00 award for Sexton graduates.

• Lisa Daman Scholarship: $1,500.00 award for a Sexton graduate.

• William D. Bishop: (2) $2000.00 award for a Sexton graduate interested in pursuing a music career.