Six summer recipients from Michigan colleges attended a breakfast reception with U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, Leaders from Ford Motor Company and The Washington Center
On July 25th, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) joined Curt Magleby, vice president, U.S. Government Relations, Ford Motor Company, and Chris Norton, president, The Washington Center, in saluting the Summer 2019 John Dingell fellow and five Dingell scholars. The John Dingell Fellows program was originally established in 2015. Ford has expanded the program for fellows and scholars following the passing of Congressman John Dingell in February.
“John Dingell believed one of the greatest things about America was the opportunity everyone shared to affect change and make the country better,” said Dingell. “Through the generous support and dedicated leadership of The Washington Center and the Ford Motor Company Fund, the Dingell Fellows and Scholars program allows students studying in and from Southeast Michigan to come to D.C. and have a front seat view and experience their government in action.”
The John Dingell Fellows program provides scholarship funds for students from Michigan schools while they participate in an internship through The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC). Students at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Detroit Mercy, Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University will be eligible for the award, which will be available for up to four students each year starting in 2019.
Through the generous support and dedicated leadership of The Washington Center and the Ford Motor Company Fund, the Dingell Fellows and Scholars program allows students studying in and from Southeast Michigan to come to D.C. and have a front seat view and experience their government in action.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell
The fund also created the John Dingell Scholars. Up to five students from additional schools in southeast Michigan — including Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Albion College — are eligible for these awards each year. Beginning Fall 2019, the fellowship and scholar program will expand from summer-only to all TWC terms.
“This unique learning experience shared by the Dingell award recipients will provide them with valuable insights into the workings of our government and better equip them to explore solutions to the challenges our communities face,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We salute these young leaders and their commitment to helping build stronger communities and making people’s lives better.”
TWC works in partnership with colleges and universities across Michigan to bring Michiganders to Washington, D.C. for transformational learning experiences. Each spring and fall, members of the TWC recruiting team travel to Michigan to on-campus recruit students to participate in TWC programming.
“It’s an honor to join Congresswoman Dingell and Ford Motor Company, our valued partner, in celebration of this summer’s John Dingell Fellow & Scholar recipients,” said Chris Norton, president, The Washington Center. “These six students join the more than 900 overall Michigan students who have come to TWC and transformed their professional futures. They will return to Michigan with a package of skills and experiences that will launch their careers while honoring the legacy and leadership of Congressman Dingell.”
Summer 2019’s Dingell fellow was Cady Ericson (University of Michigan-Dearborn). The Dingell scholars were Holly Burke (Grand Valley State University), Henry Morris (Grand Valley State University), John Perry (Grand Valley State University), Alexandria Robinson (Central Michigan University) and Grace Veenstra (Grand Valley State University).
Hosted in Ford’s offices overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue, the July breakfast was an opportunity for the students to meet with the Dingell program partners and receive career encouragement. The students then detailed their D.C. experiences. A group photoshoot and brief Q&A completed the reception. View photos from the event here.
About U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell represents Michigan’s 12th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she has made it a priority to be a voice for the Midwest on issues that matter most to working families. Dingell is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee as well as the House Natural Resources Committee. She is a leader on efforts to grow manufacturing, improve access to quality, affordable healthcare, support seniors and veterans, and protect the Great Lakes. Dingell is focused on forging bipartisan solutions that support Michigan’s families and economy, including improving long-term care and ushering in the future of the American auto industry. Before being elected to Congress, Debbie worked in the auto industry for more than three decades, where she was President of the General Motors (GM) Foundation and a senior executive responsible for public affairs. She was also Chairman of the Wayne State University (WSU) Board of Governors, and continues to fight to make education more affordable and accessible in Congress.
About Ford Motor Company Fund
As the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund’s mission is to strengthen communities and help make people’s lives better. Working with dealers and nonprofit partners in 63 countries, Ford Fund provides access to opportunities and resources that help people reach their full potential. Since 1949, Ford Fund has invested more than $2 billion in programs that support education, promote safe driving, enrich community life and encourage employee volunteering. For more information, visit www.fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook and Twitter.
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