Giving

Support Economics at WMU

At the Western Michigan University Department of Economics, private support plays a critical role in expanding opportunities for our students and strengthening the long-term vitality of the department. Gifts from alumni, friends, and partners directly support student scholarships, academic enrichment, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare our graduates for success in business, public policy, data analytics, and graduate study.

Why Your Support Matters

Economics students at WMU come from a wide range of backgrounds and pursue diverse career paths. Scholarships and program support help ensure that talented and motivated students can fully engage in their education, regardless of financial circumstances.

Donor support allows us to:

• Expand need-based and merit-based scholarships
• Reduce financial barriers for first-generation and transfer students
• Support students pursuing research, internships, and applied projects
• Enhance career preparation and professional development
• Strengthen undergraduate and graduate programs for the future

Expanding Economics Scholarships

Scholarships are one of the most meaningful ways to support Economics students. Current scholarship funds recognize academic achievement, commitment to economics, and potential for leadership. Expanding these funds is a top departmental priority, allowing us to support more students and increase award amounts as enrollment grows.

Your gift helps us:

• Award more scholarships each year
• Increase the impact of existing awards
• Create new scholarships aligned with student interests and workforce needs

Ways to Give

You may direct your gift to one of the following areas:

1. Economics Scholarship Funds

Support undergraduate and graduate students through merit- and need-based scholarships.

2. Economics Department Fund

Provide flexible support for student programming, academic initiatives, and emerging needs.

3. Career and Experiential Learning Support

Help fund internships, research projects, conference travel, and applied learning experiences.

Gifts of any size make a difference and can be designated according to your interests.

Making a Lasting Impact

Many donors choose to honor a mentor, commemorate a loved one, or invest in the future of the discipline by establishing or contributing to a named scholarship or fund. The department welcomes conversations about creating new scholarships or supporting long-term priorities.

Make a Gift

Your generosity helps ensure that Economics students at WMU have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive.