DETROIT- It's not often that an internationally famous rock star and a large metropolitan research university find a common cause for collaboration. Yet, in 2008, Kid Rock and Wayne State University established a partnership to support young talent and honor the city's rich music legacy. Both icons of Detroit, Wayne State and Kid Rock's Made In Detroit Clothing Company jointly created and sold a limited-edition t-shirt, the proceeds of which funded a $25,000 student scholarship at the university.

"The words, ‘Made In Detroit' mean something," explained Thomas Dubak, president of Made In Detroit. "They tell a story about hard work, believing in your dreams and being proud of who you are and where you come from - the same message expressed through Kid Rock's music. That's why he felt it was important to establish a scholarship at a time when Michigan's economy has been hit hard and families can't afford college. This music scholarship at Wayne State helps to ensure that our future musicians will get an education, and it speaks volumes about how much Detroiters care about each other."

The Made In Detroit Scholarship preferences students who are full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate students majoring in music. Although a minimum G.P.A. is not required, recipients must demonstrate financial need and be residents of the state of Michigan. Recipients may use awards for tuition and other educational expenses. Recipients must reapply and be reevaluated in order to receive a renewal of an MID Scholarship award. Wayne State's Office of Student Financial Aid will distribute financial awards according to university policies and procedures applicable to the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts (CFPCA).

Matt Seeger, interim dean of CFPCA, noted that Kid Rock's legendary contributions to music and the city of Detroit are underscored by this investment in young talent in Michigan. "We are thrilled to partner with Kid Rock and his Made In Detroit Clothing Company to inspire and assist students in achieving their career aspirations in music through higher education," said Seeger. "His generosity and desire to launch this campaign demonstrate a true commitment to help talented students who hope to follow in his footsteps."

With possibly the most recognized logo in Detroit fashion history, Kid Rock's Made In Detroit Clothing Company symbolizes the Motown work ethic. Wayne State, which is located in Midtown - one of the city's fastest growing arts and cultural districts - resonates a distinct "Midtown work ethic" with a campus community of nearly 50,000 and a student body of nearly 32,000, most of who work part-time jobs to pay for their college education. Given Wayne State's integral connection to Detroit's music history, it's not surprising that it was once recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the nation's top "Schools That Rock."

Students can apply for Kid Rock's Made In Detroit Scholarship at http://www.cfpca.wayne.edu/madeindetroit.pdf

. Limited edition t-shirts are still available for purchase to support the scholarship fund at Barnes & Noble on Wayne State's campus. Fans can order the t-shirt on-line at www.wayne.edu and www.MadeInDetroit.com. Plans are currently underway for Wayne State and Made In Detroit to co-create new merchandise, the proceeds of which will continue to fund Kid Rock's Made In Detroit Scholarship endowment.

Wayne State University is one of the nation's pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting and is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 400 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, the state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information on research at Wayne State University, visit http://www.research.wayne.edu.