MSU Extension Tollgate Farm and Education Center

Tollgate Financial Aid

MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center provides non-formal learning opportunities for youth, adults, families, schools, and groups, offering them the unique opportunity to experience agriculture hands-on in an urban environment and to learn where their food comes from. Using research-based curriculum and methods, visitors explore and enjoy the farm and the natural world, appreciate and promote locally grown food, and build a healthy community.

Tollgate strives to provide opportunities for youth and adults of all income levels and welcomes a broad cross-section of participants to experience farm-based experiential learning. The goal of the financial aid committee is to provide as many youth and adults as possible with the opportunity to enrich learning and broaden their experiences. Funding is limited and applications are reviewed based on the needs of the participants, potential impact on their learning, cost of the program, and potential for meaningful collaboration.

Financial Aid Guidelines

The Financial Aid Committee determines eligibility for financial aid through a review of an individual's or family's income documentation, school data, and other criteria.

• Applicants are encouraged to research grants, loans, and matching fund programs offered by their local governments, community organizations, foundations, banks, and employers
• Aid amounts vary depending upon the length and cost of the program and the family's income level.
• Available funding is limited and financial aid will cover up to 50% of the registration cost.
• Camp financial aid is limited to a maximum of 3 weeks between school break and summer camps.
• Submitting a financial aid application does not guarantee receipt of aid.
• Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis or until all financial aid funds have been distributed.
• Information provided on the financial aid application is reviewed by a diverse financial aid committee made up of staff and community members, is kept confidential, and will be kept on file for one year.

When registering for programs, please indicate that you are applying for financial aid. We will hold a space for your child school until you have received notification from the committee. If financial aid is received by an individual or family, the remaining balance will be required upon notification. If financial aid is received by a school or group, the remaining balance is due 2 weeks prior to the group's program date. Upon completion of your financial aid application, please be sure to notify us at koehle43@msu.edu.

Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Register for program indicating that you will be applying for financial aid.

2. Apply for Financial Aid (begins January 1st, 2023)

3. For family registrants, please mail or drop off your most recent income tax forms to MSU Tollgate, 28115 Meadowbrook Rd., Novi, MI 48377.

4. Notify Ellen Koehler koehle43@msu.edu / 248-701-9956 of your application.

Financial Aid Deadlines

Please apply as early as possible for financial aid and allow 2-3 weeks for notification. 

MSU Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status.