The Michaels Organization Educational Foundation Has Awarded 12 Fort Benning Residents With Scholarships for the 2026-27 Academic Year
Jul 16, Fort Benning, GA — The Michaels Organization Educational Foundation, a non-profit affiliate of The Michaels Organization, recently celebrated its award totaling $136,000 in scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year to 12 residents living at Heritage Landing, the on-post housing owned and managed by Michaels at Fort Benning.
“Michaels is deeply invested in the success of our residents,” said Kevin Clarke, Vice President of Asset Management for The Michaels Organization. “These scholarships from the Educational Foundation are among the most meaningful investments we make annually, helping military families pursue their educational goals while strengthening their futures and the communities they serve.”
Michaels has been a Department of Defense private-sector partner since 2004 and began offering scholarships for military residents in 2006. Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $7 million to Michaels’ military residents at installations across the country – $1 million of which has been to Heritage Landing residents.
Among this year’s scholars at Fort Benning is Karla– who, in addition to studying Human Resources Management at American Military University, is also a mother of four and works as a substitute teacher. With her degree, Karla is planning for a career in HR, with a particular interest in working for the Department of Defense.
The Michaels Organization Educational Foundation provides grants to residents to use toward their pursuit of higher education at any accredited college, university, or vocational training program in the nation. Scholarships are awarded annually and students may reapply each year of their undergraduate education for continuing grants. The Foundation began awarding military residents in 2006 and has since awarded over $7 million in scholarships to residents of Michaels’ military communities. Overall, the Foundation has awarded $21 million to residents across Michaels’ portfolio.
All Foundation funds are raised through voluntary contributions by corporations, companies, families, private trusts, and individuals throughout The Michaels Organization’s business network. Ever since the program was established in 1991, Michaels’ founder Michael J. Levitt and his wife Pat Levitt have matched all donations $2 for every $1. Pat Levitt, who is chair of the Educational Foundation, will continue that match, following Michael’s death at the age of 94, on June 12, 2026.
The scholarships awarded to Fort Benning residents are part of the record-breaking $2.4 million Michaels announced in June as being awarded to residents of military and affordable communities owned or managed by The Michaels Organization.
