12 scholarship recipients recognized during 2026 Veteran Scholarship Awards in Sterling Heights

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — July 31, 2026 — The Veteran Owned Business Roundtable (VOBRT) celebrated the next generation of students from veteran and military families during its 2026 Veteran Scholarship Awards, awarding more than $17,000 in scholarships to 12 students pursuing higher education at colleges and universities across the country.

Held in Sterling Heights, Michigan, the annual scholarship celebration brought together scholarship recipients and their families, veterans, business leaders, corporate partners, VOBRT board members and supporters to recognize academic achievement while continuing VOBRT’s longstanding commitment to veterans and their families.

Education has always been an important part of VOBRT’s mission. These scholarships represent more than financial support. They represent an investment in young people, their potential and the legacy of the veterans and military families who helped shape their lives.
Roderick Rickman, President of the Veteran Owned Business Roundtable.

2026 VOBRT Scholarship Recipients

This year’s scholarship recipients and sponsors included:

  • Nylah Wynn, Wayne State University — sponsored by General Motors
  • Zoie Christie, Wayne State University — sponsored by Stellantis
  • Layla Bohannon, North Carolina A&T State University — sponsored by CMAC
  • Adrianna Bohannon, Michigan State University — sponsored by Grupo Lógico
  • Heath Roberts, Michigan State University — sponsored by Gentex
  • Charles Hobson, University of Michigan — sponsored by Magna
  • Ryan Jones, Madonna University — sponsored by Chemico
  • Elijah Robinson, Albany State University — recipient of the Thelma Kay Barnes Award
  • Joshua Conner, Oakland Community College — sponsored by MCL JASCO
  • Nadia Kreft, Florida A&M University — sponsored by Ford Motor Company
  • Alyssa Dugas, Mott Community College — sponsored by Oakland County
  • Lance Johnson, Michigan State University — sponsored by IT Architect Corp

The program also highlighted the long-term impact of the scholarship initiative through remarks from Jacob Christie, a VOBRT scholarship alumnus, who returned to share his experience and perspective with this year’s recipients.

VOBRT also recognized the importance of mentorship alongside education, celebrating graduates of its mentorship program and the business leaders who volunteer their experience to help veteran-owned businesses grow.

The 2026 program was made possible through the generosity and commitment of corporate and community partners, including General Motors, Stellantis, Ford Motor Company, CMAC, Grupo Lógico, Gentex, Magna, Chemico, MCL JASCO, Oakland County and IT Architect Corp, along with individual supporters of the VOBRT scholarship program.

VOBRT extends special appreciation to George Barnes for supporting the Thelma Kay Barnes Award, established in honor and memory of his late wife. The award continues her legacy by investing in the education and future of another young person.

Supporting veterans also means supporting the people they love and the generations that follow them. When we invest in a veteran’s child or grandchild, we are recognizing the sacrifices of an entire family. Seeing these students, hearing their stories and learning about what they hope to accomplish makes it clear why this program matters.
Peter Vazquez, Executive Director of the Veteran Owned Business Roundtable.

The Veteran Scholarship Awards are part of VOBRT’s broader commitment to educating, mentoring and connecting veterans and veteran-owned businesses while creating opportunities for the veteran community through corporate partnerships, education, mentorship and access to resources.

VOBRT looks forward to following the journeys of the 2026 scholarship recipients as they continue their education and pursue their professional goals.

About the Veteran Owned Business Roundtable

The Veteran Owned Business Roundtable (VOBRT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, mentoring and connecting veteran-owned businesses with corporate and government contracting opportunities. Through education, mentorship, access to capital, networking and corporate engagement, VOBRT works to strengthen veteran-owned businesses and expand economic opportunities for the veteran community.

For more information about the Veteran Owned Business Roundtable and its programs, visit VeteranRoundtable.org.

Media Contact

Peter Vazquez
Executive Director
Veteran Owned Business Roundtable
VeteranRoundtable.org