271 residents of Michaels-owned and managed affordable and military housing communities receive college scholarships for the 2026/2027 school year
The Michaels Organization Educational Foundation, a privately funded nonprofit affiliate of The Michaels Organization, announced today that it has awarded $2,477,000 in academic scholarships to 271 residents living in Michaels-owned and managed affordable and military communities throughout the country.
“Our commitment to Lifting Lives has always been rooted in creating opportunities for our residents to thrive,” said John J. O’Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of The Michaels Organization. “The Educational Foundation is a perfect example of that commitment. We’re proud to support this year’s scholars and celebrate their successes.”
Scholars may use their award 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.
Among this year’s Scholars is Nicholas from Villages at Fort Belvoir in Virginia – an incoming junior at the University of Maryland studying sustainable value chain management. While pursuing his degree, Nicholas also operates two companies: a mobile refrigeration and cold storage company and a sustainable sourcing company that imports specialty ingredients. With his scholarship award, Nicholas will continue to accelerate his education and entrepreneurship.
At Jordan Downs in Los Angeles, Scholar Ariana, an incoming freshman at the University of California, San Diego, is majoring in sociology: law and society, and plans to use her scholarship award to work toward her goal of becoming an immigration lawyer. Inspired by her mother’s own sacrifices and experiences, Ariana hopes to increase Hispanic representation within the field and help others navigate legal challenges.
The $2.4 million awarded is the Foundation’s largest scholarship award to date and brings the total amount of scholarships awarded across all programs to more than $21 million, benefiting residents of Michaels’ affordable, military, and student living communities.
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. Michael J. Levitt died at the age of 94, on June 12, 2026.
“Mike impacted so many lives, in so many ways, but he always considered the scholarship program his greatest legacy,” said Pat Levitt. “Mike and I truly believe that the greatest gift you can give someone is the gift of education.”
Scholars will be celebrated with ceremonies held at their respective communities throughout the summer. The Foundation’s Student Living Scholarship, a separate program designed specifically for residents of Michaels’ student living communities, will open for applications later this year.
–posted June 22, 2026
