About the scholarship

Created by the largest donation for a public university in U.S. history, the Empowering Futures Housing Scholarships makes the full Western experience possible for future Broncos looking to begin the journey to the rest of their lives. Getting into college is step one; affording it is step two. And while there are opportunities to earn academic scholarships, living expenses are a substantial portion of college costs. 

The Empowering Futures Housing Scholarship reduces room and board costs for qualified students for their first year on campus; eligible students may apply for a second year. Recipients will live in the Bronco Connect Living Learning Community, specially designed to provide students a strong start to college by creating belonging and providing enhanced career exploration, community engagement, study skills and campus life.

Award amount

The Empowering Futures Housing Scholarship is valued at up to $6,000 per year with an opportunity to apply for a second year.

Consideration criteria 

• Be a first-year student enrolling in fall 2023.

• Be a Michigan resident. Preference will be given to:

• Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates.

• Graduates from Detroit high schools that have a Detroit address.

• Graduates from the Grand Rapids high schools listed below.

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 31, 2023.

• Have demonstrated financial need based on FAFSA.

Deadline

To take advantage of this rare opportunity only Western offers, apply in ScholarshipUniverse for the Empowering Futures Housing Scholarship, which requires short answers (250 words maximum) to two questions. The application along with a completed WMU admission application file† are due by March 31, 2023; decisions will be announced in April.