Seita Scholars Program

2026-27 Seita Scholars Application

Eligibility Requirements

Applying to the Seita Scholars Program, which includes the Seita scholarship, is separate from applying to WMU. To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 17-25 and:

The Seita Scholarship is a scholarship that supports Western Michigan University students who have lived some or all of their teenage years in foster care. The Seita Scholarship is only offered to fall semester admits to WMU.
Qualify for the Educational Training Voucher (see, for example, Michigan's ETV program) and/or the Michigan Education Trust Fostering Futures Scholarship.
Be Financial Aid Eligible.

Scholarship Program Acceptance Process

Apply and get accepted to WMU as a first-time freshman or transfer student.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Apply to the Seita Scholars Program using the web form below.
If eligible, you will be contacted for an interview with our coaching staff.

After Being Accepted

If accepted to our program, return the scholarship agreement forms to:

Seita Scholars Program

1903 W Michigan Ave,

Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5302

Register for Orientation: Orientation is required for all incoming students. During orientation, you’ll meet campus staff and sign up for your fall classes. Visit Office of Student Transitions for details.
Attend Summer Early Transition Week July 13, 14, and 15, 2026: Join other Seita Scholars for an early start to college life! This three-day experience helps you connect with campus resources, your peers, and your Seita team before the semester begins.
Participate in WMU Fall Welcome Week: Start the academic year strong! Fall Welcome Week includes social events, campus activities, and opportunities to meet new friends and get involved at WMU.

2026-27 Application

All students accepted to the Seita Scholars Program are required to attend Summer Early Transition Week. Dates for summer 2026 are July 13, 14, and 15. Housing and food will be provided on WMU’s campus.

Applicant information

First name (required)

Middle name (required)

Last name (required)

Date of Birth (required)

Address (required)

Address where you receive mail

City (required)

State (required)

ZIP code (required)

Phone (required)

Phone number (with area code) where we can best reach you

Email (required)

Are you a sibling of a current or former Seita Scholar? (required)

Yes

If yes, please provide their names

WMU application submission date (required)

Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion date (required)

Tuition Incentive Program completion date

I understand and agree to the below terms and conditions (required)

I was in foster care on or after my 14th birthday, and if I was adopted out of foster care, the adoption occurred on or after my 16th birthday. I have contacted my case worker and will submit supporting documentation. Supporting documentation must verify the age requirement as specified above. Students who receive this award must live on campus in a residence hall or a WMU apartment and fully participate in the Seita Scholars Program. I understand the following information: WMU may contact the state human service agency, or any other relevant agency, to verify my eligibility for the scholarship and suitability for the scholars program; certain personal information is required to process this application. It will be properly safeguarded, and is used only for legitimate purposes and only when absolutely necessary; submission of this application does not guarantee admission to WMU nor acceptance into the Seita Scholars Program; an interview or interviews may be required. By submitting this application, I agree to all of the above. I agree that I will hold Western Michigan University harmless as a result of contact with any such agency. Applicants who are still in high school must also apply for the Tuition Incentive Program before graduating from high school by calling (888) 447-2687. Space in the Seita Scholarship/Seita Scholars Program may be limited.

Yes

Emergency contact information

My case worker is my emergency contact (required)

Yes

First name

Last name

Address

City

State

ZIP code

Phone

Case worker/Supportive Adult information