Kettering University and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have named 81 Kettering students to represent the University’s 2025 class of Michigander Scholars.
The Michigander Scholars Program includes both recognition and financial awards: all named Scholars gain access to exclusive networking opportunities with Michigan’s leading employers, while select participants earn scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for completing a Co-op (or internship) and/or accepting a full-time position in qualifying engineering or software development roles with a participating company.
Employers such as Ford, General Motors, BorgWarner, Bosch, Hemlock Semiconductor, Magna, Mahle, Nissan, Our Next Energy, and ZF are investing in this growing talent pipeline to help ensure a steady flow of skilled professionals ready to contribute to next-generation mobility, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
The Michigander Scholars Program strengthens Michigan’s innovation ecosystem by connecting high-achieving students in technology and engineering with the state’s leading employers. Through career mentorship, industry engagement, and paid experiential learning—including Co-op and internship opportunities—the initiative fosters early and ongoing relationships between students and companies shaping Michigan’s future economy.
The first of its kind in the United States, the program represents a public-private partnership between Michigan employers and universities. This MEDC initiative serves as a targeted talent retention strategy, addressing workforce needs in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, electric vehicles, mobility, and related technology sectors critical to Michigan’s economic growth.
These classes of Kettering University Michigander Scholars include:
BORGWARNER
Khalil Rezin-Mendez, Pickerington, OH, Pickerington High School North, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
BOSCH
Meer Al-Haadee, Detroit, Wayne County Community College, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Leonardo Durasevic, Chesterfield, Dakota High School, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
Cheick Kone, Flint, Mott Community College, Class of 2028, Electrical Engineering
Riley Masser, Linden, Lake Fenton High School, Class of 2029, Computer Engineering
Reilyn McKinney, Oxford, Brandon High School, Class of 2029, Electrical Engineering
Samantha Robinson, Warren, Lutheran High School Northwest, Class of 2027, Computer Science
Elijah Schneider, Skandia, Marquette Senior High School, Class of 2029, Engineering
Yoi Shimoji-Fricke, Potomac, MD, Winston Churchill High School, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
Brandon White, Livonia, Churchill High School, Class of 2029, Electrical Engineering
GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS
Andrew Sirois, Oxford, Oakland Christian School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
GENERAL MOTORS
Giovanna Carter, Troy, Troy High School, Class of 2030, Mechanical Engineering
Ben Hibbs, Lake Orion, Lake Orion High School, Class of 2030, Mechanical Engineering
Ryan Stark, Romeo, Romeo High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
Evan Thompson, Highland, Milford High School, Class of 2028, Computer Science
MAGNA
Maddison Bourbeau, Grand Blanc, Grand Blanc High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
Madalyn Scheffler, Gaines, Linden High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
Nathaniel Stevens, Morrice, Morrice High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
MOBIS
Aidan Petras, Sterling Heights, Stevenson High School, Class of 2026, Computer Engineering
TENNECO
Andrew Bonser, Albion, Western High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
Evan Muchler, Grass Lake, Chelsea High School, Class of 2029, Mechanical Engineering
