Miriam and Ellis Perlman Fund for
Public Service Education
Perlman Fund for Public Service Education
The Miriam and Ellis Perlman Fund for Public Service Education (Perlman Fund) is named after former Professor Ellis Perlman and his wife, Miriam. Professor Perlman dedicated his career to educating public service professionals at the University of Michigan-Flint. The Perlman Fund helps to ensure the next generation of public service professionals by generously providing financial support to deserving students through five awards:
- Mary and Albert Perlman Award
- Rose and Harry Corson Award
- Mark Steven Perlman Award for Distinguished Public Service
- Carl R. Vann and James D. Ananich Award for Community Service
- Al Lenzner Award
All awardees must meet the minimum qualifications below and go through the applicable application process as set forth by the committee. Two awards have distinct qualifications as noted below:
- The Mark Steven Perlman Award for Distinguished Public Service is intended for an individual who demonstrates distinguished service in a professional field encompassed by the MPA program.
- The Carl R. Vann and James D. Ananich Award for Community Service is intended to be given to an individual in recognition of substantial and significant community service.
Minimum Requirements
- 3.0 GPA
- High scholarly and/or community achievements
- Demonstrated desire to work in the public sector
Materials Needed
- Two-page essay indicating qualifications and need for this award (in future years, can use personal statement from application)
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts from current program (if current MPA student) and undergraduate program(s) (if in MPA program two or fewer semesters).
Notes for 2025-26
For the first year, two one-year renewable awards will be made to first year students, and three one-year non-renewable awards will be made to second year and beyond students. Students must enroll in at least six credit hours per semester during the fall and winter semesters to be eligible. Each award is valued at approximately $8,000 per year.
For the 2025-26 academic year, students should apply by submitting their materials no later than Sept. 12, 2025, through the application form: