Alvin M. and Arvella D. Bentley Scholarship

Alvin M. Bentley III was a graduate of the University of Michigan and worked as a Foreign Service Officer in Mexico, Colombia, and Hungary from 1941 to 1950. He was later elected 8th District representative to the U.S. Congress, where he served four terms. Through his outstanding career, he served on various committees promoting support for civil rights and improvements in higher education. His wife, Arvella "Billie" Bentley, was a trustee on the board of Nazareth College and the Hawaii Preparatory Academy. She also served as a member of the Friends of the Bentley Historical Library.

Established in 1983, the Alvin M. Bentley Foundation has provided one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships offered at the University of Michigan to Michigan residents who demonstrate extraordinary scholastic and civic achievement. This award provides merit scholarships for talented prospective undergraduate Michigan residents admitted to the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA).

The Bentley Scholarship:

The Bentley Scholarship is a $12,500 per year award ($7,500 Bentley Scholarship, and a $5,000 LSA Scholarship), renewable for four years of undergraduate study, and membership in the Bentley Society. Alternates and semifinalists will receive a $10,000 LSA Scholarship and membership in the Bentley Society.

Bentley Society membership includes:

  • First choice of residence hall
  • Automatic admission to the Honors Program
  • Admission to either the Residential College or other Michigan Learning Communities, if desired.

Selection: The College of LSA works with the Honors Program to select the most outstanding first-year students from the state of Michigan who have been admitted to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts by January 15. Nominees are selected for their outstanding achievements in the classroom as well as their accomplishments in extracurricular activities and service to their communities.

Specific questions may be referred to the Scholarship Program Manager at (734) 615-0660, or email lsascholarship@umich.edu.