Last year, the Hodge Legacy Community Service Scholarship received 19 applications. This year, we received 100 — and we expect that number to keep growing.
That's a wonderful problem to have, but it's more than one person can fairly review alone. That's why we're building a standing volunteer Review Committee: a small group of community members who help select each year's recipient, so every student's story gets the careful, unbiased read it deserves.
This is a volunteer position — no compensation, just real impact on a student's future
The Hodge Legacy Community Service Scholarship recognizes Michigan high school seniors who have shown a meaningful, ongoing commitment to serving their communities. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or higher, come from a low-income household, and submit a short essay on their service experience and why giving back matters to them. Learn more about the scholarship here.
Nobody decides alone. Every application is read and scored independently by two reviewers before anyone discusses it — so no single opinion decides a student's outcome.
You'll work in a small pod. Reviewers are grouped into pods of 4–5 people. Your pod gets its own batch of applications to review each summer.
You'll use a clear, written rubric — not a gut feeling. We score every application the same way: community service impact, financial need, essay quality, and writing, so every student is measured against the same standard.
Your pod meets once to talk it through and agrees on the one applicant (or a couple, if it's close) your pod wants to put forward.
A one-year commitment, renewable each cycle — no long-term obligation, but we do ask you to see the full cycle through.
Three short meetings a year: a kickoff in December, a quick check-in in June, and a final selection meeting in July.
About 10–15 applications to review during a defined window each July (roughly two and a half weeks).
No special background required. We're looking for people who genuinely care about students and follow through on commitments — not committee experience.
Recognition as a committee member on our site and materials (with your permission)
A thank-you letter or certificate at the end of each cycle
An optional LinkedIn recommendation
A front-row seat to some genuinely inspiring stories about what students are doing for their communities
Each pod has a Pod Lead — someone who reviews applications like everyone else, plus helps guide their pod's discussion and serves as the point of contact for their pod's questions along the way. Pod Leads attend one additional short training in January to prepare for the role. You can express interest in this when you apply; it's completely optional.
Apply to join the Review Committee → HERE
Applications for the upcoming committee close November 15, 2026.
Questions? Reach out to D'Shyla directly at dmhconsulting0@gmail.com