Robert R. Robinson Scholarship

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Supporting tomorrow's local leaders

The Robert R. Robinson Scholarship, awarded annually by the Michigan Townships Association, seeks to offer financial assistance to students aspiring to leadership roles in their community. The scholarship is designed to help Michigan students who are preparing for a career in public administration. Applicants must be a junior, senior or graduate student in a Michigan college or university.

Up to $1,000 is awarded for each scholarship, on a competitive basis. Applicants are considered on several factors including academic achievement, community involvement and commitment to local government administration.

Requirements include: a letter of recommendation from a professor or instructor; a copy of a resolution of support from an MTA-member township board in good standing; and a short essay on an important issue facing local government.

Read about our 2020 scholarship recipient here | Read more here about the 2019 winners

In Memory of Robert R. Robinson, 1920-1987

In support of Robert R. Robinson's vision of a stronger township government today and tomorrow, the MTA Board of Directors established the Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship Fund to support the educational pursuits of tomorrow's township leaders.

Supervisor, Meridian Charter Township, 1959-1969
MTA Legislative Director, 1969-1975
MTA Executive Director, 1975-1983
MTA Associate Director, 1983-1984
Cofounder and Board Member, National Association of Towns and Townships, 1977-1984
NATaT President, 1978-1980

Help support Michigan’s future leaders

As MTA’s second executive director, Robert R. Robinson was dedicated to townships and to furthering the form of government closest to the people.

MTA established a memorial scholarship in Robinson's honor after he passed away in 1987. Robinson dedicated much of his life to township government. In addition to his eight years as Association executive director, he served for six years as MTA’s legislative director, and was a cofounder and board member of the National Association of Towns and Townships, including two years as president. He spent a decade as Meridian Charter Township (Ingham Co.) supervisor before joining MTA in 1969.

Awarding this endowment each year in his name helps to ensure that Michigan’s future local leaders continue to value and protect township government and the Michigan residents it serves. Township officials and MTA county chapters can help ensure that we are able to continue supporting the educational pursuits of tomorrow’s township leaders by making a donation to support the scholarship fund.

“The scholarship fund is critical both to students to help in pursuit of their local government careers, and to all public officials as we work to encourage today’s students to pursue a future in public service,” said 2019 Robinson Scholarship Committee Chair Harold Koviak, MTA District 4 director and Burt Township (Cheboygan Co.) supervisor. “Without these funds, it is that much harder for the students to achieve their goals.”

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all contributions are tax deductible. Checks may be sent, payable to The Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship Fund, to: Michigan Townships Association, PO Box 80078, Lansing, MI 48908-0078.

Call (517) 321-6467 with any questions.