SOAR Celebrates CEW+ Scholars
The University of Michigan’s CEW+ supports women and underserved individuals providing resources and advocacy to help them achieve their academic and professional potential. SOAR and CEW+ have a long and valued partnership of collaboration on behalf of students. UM-Dearborn nontraditional students – those with significant breaks of time in their schooling or those who are primary caregivers in their families can apply for CEW+ scholarships. Many SOAR students have received generous scholarships from CEW+. While the financial help is significant, the recognition and opportunities afforded CEW+ Scholars is what is most meaningful to the students. SOAR CEW+ Scholars can find mentors in CEW+, attend workshops and conferences hosted by CEW+, celebrate milestones, partner on projects, and grow their professional networks.
2025-2026 SOAR CEW+ Scholarship Recipients
Nora Ahmed, Elementary Education and Certification
Molly H. Dobson Scholar
"This journey has not only prepared me to be an educator-it has shaped me into one.”
Wafa Alsadi, Elementary Education and Certification
Molly H. Dobson Scholar
“With the support of passionate educators overseas, Wafa discovered both the transformative power of education and her dream to become a teacher.”
De’Anisha Alexander, Health and Human Services
Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar
“Success to me, is about leaving a legacy of giving, change, and hope that continues. Through my education, passion, and determination, I am committed to making this vision a reality.”
Hala A., Finance
Paula K. Cooper (Meyers) Scholar
“Hala’s work on and off campus utilizes her analytical skills to serve her Detroit community.”
Sharnita Harris, Health and Human Services
Molly H. Dobson Scholar
“Success means more than degrees. It means breaking generational cycles,
uplifting her community and creating opportunities for her daughters to pursue their dreams.”
Liane Ross, Elementary Education and Certification
Molly H. Dobson Scholar
“Liane’s goal is to build bridges between schools and communities, ensuring that every child has the support system needed to thrive both academically and personally.”
Brittanni Sgriccia, Health and Human Services
Robert Bruce Dunlap Scholar
“Brittanni believes healing begins with being seen, heard, and supported, and she is committed to being that healing presence for others.”
Michelle Thurmond, Health and Human Services
Terry L & Patricia A. Stanley Scholar
“Michelle's goal is to create safe, supportive spaces where women can access resources designed with a deep understanding of trauma, poetry, and systemic barriers.”
Myron Wood, Health and Human Services
Robert Bruce Dunlap Memorial Scholar
Myron says the mindset that keeps him grounded is “Never give up.”
2024-2025 SOAR CEW+ Scholarship Recipients
Molly H. Dobson awardee
“Marjani is recognized by faculty for her “academic ability, emotional intelligence, and real-world experience that will enable her to excel in her career.”
The Lucile B.Conger Alumnae Group Scholarship awardee
Ida “is currently researching the use of objective personality tests in child custody evaluations and advocating for more standardized, evidence-based assessments in the family court system.”
Molly H. Dobson awardee
“Saba believes firmly in the transformative power of education and, with her degree, aims to advocate for fair access to education and culturally-sensitive teaching methods.”
Margaret Dow Towsley awardee
“She regularly translates Arabic for non-English-speaking residents in her neighborhood, ensuring they have access to essential services.”
Molly H. Dobson awardee
“Caitey has persistently overcome self-doubt and the challenges of being a returning student to further her education, and she is now excelling as a bachelor’s student at U-M.”
Ruth Jenette Buttrey Scholar awardee
“Shari is actively involved in community organizing and holds a leadership role in a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating, honoring and promoting Black Excellence in all art forms.”
Gail Allen Scholar awardee
Kamellah’s “leadership in the early childhood education field has been marked by her ability to implement quality programming and expand care initiatives for infants and toddlers.”
2022-2023 SOAR CEW+ Scholarship Recipients
Noha shared that being awarded the CEW+ Scholarship has “removed a lot of financial stress and gave me the confidence to aim and push harder through toward achieving my educational goals.”
with Elizabeth Foster
Elizabeth shared why the CEW scholarship means the world to her, “I’ve been on my journey at UM-Dearborn for quite a while now and getting this scholarship has shown me that all of my hard work is paying off. Not having to worry about paying for school in my last semester is a huge relief. I’m honored to be included in the group of other, amazing, and hardworking individuals that also received scholarships this year.”
Diana shared that it is “hard to reduce the impact of the scholarship to mere words, I’d liken it to a key, a Rosetta Stone, that enables one to make that final lasting connection to the knowledge which will impact not only myself but those I serve.”
Teaira shared that the CEW+ Scholarship is “a reminder of my commitment to honoring my community through excellence and advocacy.”
Kelly shared that “the CEW+ scholarship means the world to me; in that it allows me to focus on the important parts of learning and bettering myself while connecting me with a network of peers and opportunities. It means that I have support and people who want to see me succeed just as badly as I want to myself.”