July 27, 2026
Established in 2013, the Leinweber Software Scholars program continues to support computer science students at U-M and connect them to career opportunities across the state.
It’s been over a decade since software entrepreneur and business leader Larry D. Leinweber made a $2.4 million gift to support U-M students studying computer science and engineering. Since then, the program he established has continued to advance its original mission: helping talented students launch careers in computing, build professional networks, and create long-term opportunities in Michigan.
Launched in 2013, the Leinweber Software Scholars program provides scholarships to undergraduate students from the State of Michigan studying computer science in University of Michigan Engineering. Since its founding, the program has supported 54 students, reducing financial barriers while encouraging young scholars to explore opportunities in Michigan’s software and tech industries.
Leinweber, founder of New World Systems in Troy, MI, created the program with a broader vision in mind. Understanding firsthand the challenge of building a successful software company, his gift aimed to help build a pipeline of Michigan-educated computer scientists to contribute to the state’s economic and technological growth.
“Because of this support, I’ve been able to dedicate more time to challenging coursework, collaborative projects, and opportunities that help me develop both technically and personally,” said Arunima Vasudev, Leinweber Scholar and CS student at U-M. “I’ve been able to pursue experiences I might not have considered, such as engaging more deeply with my clubs and organizations, and preparing thoughtfully for my future career.”
For students, the scholarship offers more than financial support; it provides encouragement, a professional network, and a clear sense of how they can apply their computing skills in Michigan.
Many Leinweber Scholars have used their CS education at U-M to pursue work in software development, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, finance, and other areas central to the region’s growing innovation landscape. Alumni of the program have gone on to work at a variety of companies with Michigan operations, including Dow, Subaru, Ascent Cloud, Amazon, and GM. Several more participants have continued on to pursue master’s degrees or PhDs.
These successful outcomes reflect the program’s founding goal: to help students build meaningful careers in computing while contributing to the state’s broader tech ecosystem.
The CSE scholarship is part of a wider commitment by the Leinweber Foundation to support STEM education and retain talent across Michigan. Since 2010, the Leinweber family has committed more than $35 million to U-M for initiatives spanning Michigan Engineering, LSA, the School of Information, and the Medical School, including support for the new Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building that opened in 2025.
Most recently, in 2025, the foundation established the Leinweber STEM Scholars in LSA, which supports in-state undergraduate students from rural counties who are majoring in STEM fields.
In the LSA announcement of the new fund, Ashley Leinweber, vice president of the Leinweber Foundation, said the foundation hopes students will “find the freedom to more fully explore enriching opportunities and resources available to STEM students at U-M… while thinking about how they can apply their degree to make a difference in Michigan communities.”
Inspired by the success of its first scholarship program at U-M, the Leinweber Foundation has gone on to launch a Leinweber Software Scholars program at Michigan State University and at Michigan Tech. Additionally, there are Leinweber STEM Scholars programs at both the University of Michigan and Michigan State. Across all its scholarship programs, over 70 Michigan students are supported each year as Leinweber Scholars.
Together, these efforts have contributed to a statewide effort to expand access to STEM education, support Michigan students, and strengthen the network of talent that connects universities, companies, and communities across the state.
In CSE, the Leinweber Software Scholars program contributes to that vision by helping students prepare for careers in one of Michigan’s most important growth areas. As computing increasingly shapes industries ranging from mobility and manufacturing to health care and education, programs like this help ensure that Michigan students are positioned to lead.
“My experience at the University of Michigan has been fundamentally changed by the Leinweber Software Scholarship,” said Andy Yao, Leinweber Scholar and recent U-M grad majoring in CS. “It has given me the ability to take leaps of faith… and pursue opportunities afforded me from my time here.”
More than ten years after its launch, the program remains a model for how targeted student support can do more than fund an education; it can expand opportunity, strengthen regional talent, build community, and help students imagine a future for themselves in Michigan’s tech landscape.