Scholarships

Anthroplogy Students

Alan H. Jacobs Memorial Award (Internal)

Alan H. Jacobs Memorial Awards are made in the memory of Dr. Alan Jacobs, a faculty member in the department for 22 years, and chair from 1974-78. Jacobs was a scholar who produced important works on the Maasai, and did research in Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. Jacobs was a supportive colleague and passionate teacher dedicated to educating students at WMU by exposing them to the benefits of a global perspective and international experiences.

Building upon Jacobs’ commitment to students and international experiences, this award recognizes undergraduate anthropology majors and minors and graduate students who pursue innovative international experiences to enhance their anthropological understandings. To apply, submit a one-page description of your proposed activity including place of travel, plans and how this trip enhances your anthropological education. Award recipients are expected to present an informal, brown bag talk to the department on their travel experience. Applications are due by Feb. 15 and will be reviewed by a committee of department members for work done the current academic year or planned for the following academic year.

Robert F. Maher Scholarship (Internal)

Robert F. Maher Scholarships are awarded annually to one or more graduating seniors or graduate students studying anthropology who demonstrate outstanding ability and promise for the future. Winners are determined by faculty of the Department of Anthropology. The chosen recipients are announced at a ceremony that takes place in April. The award was established in honor of Maher, who taught at the University for 30 years and who was the founder and first chair of the Department of Anthropology.

Maher Conference Travel Grant (Internal)

Maher Conference Travel Grants are available through the Robert F. Maher Fund to support undergraduate and graduate anthropology students traveling to conferences to present professional papers or posters. You may apply for a grant once a year and can apply each academic year in which you present at a conference. All eligible student presenters who submit complete applications by the appropriate deadline will receive some amount of funding.

Presidential Scholar Award

The Presidential Scholar Award is the most prestigious honor an undergraduate student can be awarded at WMU. It is awarded to a single graduating senior in each department every year. Presidential Scholars are selected by the department faculty and are recognized by the president of the University and the president of the faculty senate.

Undergraduate Paper Prize (Internal)

The Anthropology Graduate Collective at WMU invites undergraduate students to submit a paper for the Anthropology Graduate Collective Award for Excellence in Writing.

Submissions must be anthropological in nature and should be five to 20 pages in length (double spaced, 12-point New Times Roman font).
Students are encouraged to use a paper that has been graded previously, but should submit a clean copy with no correction marks.
Deadline: Essays must be printed and turned in by 4 p.m. on April 15 to the Department of Anthropology. Limit one submission per student.
Essays will be reviewed by a committee of three Anthropology Graduate Collective members. Each of the members will specialize in a different subfield (cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology). Awards will be given based on readability, the comprehensive scope, and overall quality of the submission, and will be presented at the Department of Anthropology Awards Ceremony.
This award is independent from all other Department of Anthropology awards.

Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award

The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award in the College of Arts and Sciences:

Increases the opportunities for undergraduates to collaborate with faculty members in professional activities outside the classroom.
Provides undergraduate students with opportunities for hands-on research or creative activities experience with faculty from the college.
Recognizes and honors academic excellence and potential.
Provides opportunities for undergraduates to present research at academic conferences.

African American Students

Upsolve Access to Justice Scholarship

Description

From the Upsolve website: At Upsolve, we know just how important students are for ensuring a future legal system that’s equitable and accessible. Upsolve itself started as a university project, relying on university professors for mentorship and students for team members.

To encourage students to brainstorm ideas for changes they’d like to see, we’ve set up a scholarship. We aim to encourage students to focus on ways they think our society can improve access to justice. We welcome a two-page essay on your ideas for the future by email.

The essay that we find most inspiring will receive $2,500, awarded by June 1, 2021. To apply, please email scholarships@upsolve.org by March 31, 2021.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the $2,500 scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must be a current high school senior, a full-time college student, or a graduate student;
Must apply via email and provide their name, university or college, major and expected graduation month and year;
Must be in good standing with their current or prospective institution;
Provide their application (a 500 to 1,000 word essay on your ideas for a more equitable legal system) by March 31, 2021.

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Description

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans. RBSP competitively awards Ron Brown Scholars four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Since the Program’s inception in 1996, more than 300 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.

Applicants for the Ron Brown Scholarship must be graduating high school seniors at the time of their application.

Eligibility

Must be Black/African American.
Must excel academically.
Must exhibit exceptional leadership potential.
Must participate in community service activities.
Demonstrate financial need.
Be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card.
Be a current high school senior at the time of your application. NOTE: Current college students are not eligible to apply.

Filing Period

August 1 through January 9 (November 1 – Early Applicant Deadline)

Dr. Julianne Malveaux Scholarship

Eligibility

African American Female
College Sophomore or Junior enrolled in an accredited college or university
Majors in journalism, economics or related field (public policy, creative writing, etc.)
Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
United States citizen
Complete the scholarship application online
Submit a 1000 word essay on the topic: Your Career Plans and their Relevance to the Dr. Julianne Malveaux Program Theme: “Black Women’s Hands Can Rock the World”

The Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Woman of Substance Scholarship

Eligibility

African American Female – age 35+
Undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited college or university
Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale by February 1^st
United States Citizen
Complete the scholarship application online
Submit a 500 word essay – Topic: “Challenges to the Mature Student and How I Overcame Them”

The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF)

Description

The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) will award 50 scholarships in 2019 in celebration of its 21st anniversary. Of the 50, (30) ethnic minority undergraduate students will receive scholarships of $2,500 each and (20) graduate students will receive scholarships of $3,750 each. Students must be attending four-year accredited institutions in the U.S. and majoring in the fields of advertising, marketing or public relations.

The scholarship recipients will receive a trip to Cincinnati, Ohio where they will participate in career building activities. This includes a welcome dinner with a keynote speaker, two day-long career development workshops and a scholarship & donor recognition reception. During these activities, students will have the opportunity to meet industry professionals, network and gain exposure to the advertising, marketing and public relations world.

Eligibility

Undergraduate students (current freshmen, sophomores, juniors and non-graduating seniors ONLY) and graduate students

Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or an AB-540 student/DACA recipient
Must be a member of one of the following ethnic groups: African American/Black, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino or Native American/Alaska Native
Must be a full-time student at a four-year, accredited institution within the U.S., carrying a total of 12 units or more per semester/quarter
Must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA
MUST major in a field of study that has an emphasis on advertising, marketing or public relations
Must have at least one year to complete his/her degree from the time the scholarships are awarded in May 2019
Recipients MUST be available to participate in the scholarship activities. If chosen, the applicant MUST attend TLF's scholarship activities to receive the scholarship. The applicant must make a one-year commitment to maintain contact with TLF to receive professional guidance and academic support.

Filing Period

Ends February 28

Panda Cares -- United Negro College Fund Scholarships

Description

The program will help scholars get to and through college and support student achievement and development with a renewable scholarship to 400 students. Selected students will be awarded up to $2,500 per academic year to be used to cover the unmet costs of tuition, fees, room and board.

Eligibility

Must be a graduating high school senior, enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S located four-year college or university in Fall 2018;
Must have a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale;
Must be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States;
Must submit a completed FAFSA Student Aid Report, be Pell Grant eligible and must demonstrate unmet need; and
Must participate in the online learning modules, to receive renewable scholarship.

Filing Period

June 6 through July 20

Ronald McDonald House Charities RMHC/African American Future Achievers Scholarship

Description

The Ronald McDonald House of Charities (RMHC) scholarship program seeks to invest in students who are exemplary role models in their communities and have the initiative to fulfill their educational goals. Most awards are for $1,000. Applicants will be judged on leadership, scholarship, and community service. Judges will include current and former area educators, leaders in the African American community and McDonald's representatives.

Eligibility

U.S. residents, be less than 21 years of age

Currently enrolled high school seniors
A minimum 2.7 GPA
At least one parent of African American or Black Caribbean heritage
Are eligible to attend an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational technical school with a complete course of study

Filing Period

October 1 through February 16

Jack and Jill of America Foundation

Description

The Foundation promotes the preparation of succeeding generations of children as leaders so they may attain the fullest potential as individuals, enjoy rewarding and fulfilling lives, and contribute to world peace and prosperity. The key to fulfilling this vision is through education. To this end, the Jack & Jill of America Foundation is prepared to assist in funding African Americans' pursuit of higher education.

Eligibility

Students must complete an online application within its entirety.
The application is open to graduating high school seniors, who will be enrolled as full-time college students in the fall at any accredited four-year institution.
Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the time of high school graduation and upload an official transcript.
Complete a one-page essay on your desired career interest.
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and have a demonstrated unmet need. (As identified per your institutions financial aid office).
Students must be African-American citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Be able to certify at least 60 hours of active community service within this past academic school year.

Filing Period

June 8 through July 31

Leidos STEM Scholarship

Description

Leidos STEM Scholarship was established by UNCF and Leidos Holdings Inc. to provide merit-based scholarships to assist students majoring in STEM related fields.

Eligibility

Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better on a 4.0 scale;

Major in any STEM-related Fields;
Be undergraduate attending an HBCU or any other accredited four-year college or university in the fall 2018.

For scholarship award consideration, students must submit an online application for the program, complete with a letter of recommendation, a one-page statement of career interest, and a current transcript.

Filing Period

May 29 through July 3

The Actuarial Foundation Scholarships

Description

The Actuarial Foundation ensures the future of the actuarial profession through its scholarships and reimbursement programs. Recipients of Foundation scholarships are selected by representatives of the actuarial profession, who may one day be their peers. So, not only are these scholarships a means to offset the cost of education, they also serve as a prestigious recognition by a highly rated profession.

Eligibility

Must be intent on pursuing a career in the actuarial profession

Will be a full-time undergraduate student at a U.S. accredited educational institution
Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), emphasis on math or actuarial courses
Entering college freshmen must have a minimum ACT math score of 28 or SAT math score of 600
Actuarial exams will be an important factor in evaluating scholarship qualifications for applicants entering their junior year and beyond. Additionally, exams passed will also be a consideration for previous award recipients applying to renew the scholarship.

Filing Period

Begins November 1

Gates Millennium Scholars Program

Description

Students selected as Gates Millennium Scholars will receive funds in an amount to be determined by GMS based on financial need. The award is based on the cost of tuition, fees, books and living expenses for the academic year, as well as the availability of grants, and other scholarships reported on the student’s financial aid award letter. The scholarship for the undergraduate award may be renewed annually based on satisfactory progress, full-time enrollment and the timely submission of required documents. Support for graduate degrees for continuing Gates Millennium Scholars may be received for the following fields: computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science. An ideal candidate will have an outstanding academic record in high school (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class), will be able to demonstrate leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities), and will have exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.).

Eligibility

A high school senior
From at least one of the following ethnicities: African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
Pell-eligible
A US citizen, national, or permanent resident
In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a U.S. accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.

Filing Period

August 1 to January 15

Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Description

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the 30th class in 2018, the Foundation has provided over 6,000 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $66 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

Eligibility

Current high school seniors attending school in the U.S. (or select DoD schools)
U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, or humanitarian parolees—based on the guidelines utilized by U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility
Will receive high school diploma during current academic year
Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
Cannot be child or grandchild of employees, officers, or owners of Coco-Cola companies

Filing Period

Ends October 31

Public Relations Student Society of America (PSRA) Scholarship Program

Description

PRSA Foundation invests in the next generation of public relations practitioners by awarding scholarships and grants to students active in PRSSA campus chapters, as well as other deserving undergraduate and graduate students.

Eligibility

Varies by scholarship
Must be interested in public relations
Some scholarships require membership in a PRSSA campus chapter

Filing Period

Ends May 18

Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund

Description

The awards process is highly competitive and is given to outstanding and qualified students who plan to earn a baccalaureate, graduate or law degree from an accredited college or university. The average award is $3,100 per student per semester. Most scholarships are one year, non-renewable unless otherwise indicated and awards are given without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, disability or national origin.

TMCF Scholarships:

Are merit based and applicants must have a financial need to qualify
Are restricted for payment of tuition, on campus room and board, books and fees
Are paid directly to the college or university on behalf of the award recipient to be credited to his or her school account.

Eligibility

Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Must apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Attend one of the 47 TMCF member-schools (unless otherwise stated on the application)
Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551
Demonstrate leadership qualities and service experience
Be recommended by a faculty or staff member of your current school

Filing Period

February through May

Jackie Robinson Foundation Education and Leadership Development Program

Description

The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to address the financial needs of minority college students and provide comprehensive mentoring services through its 42 Strategies for Success Curriculum. Once chosen from a national, selective process, “Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars” receive a generous four-year grant to assist with the costs of attending the college or university of their choice and are enrolled in JRF’s celebrated mentoring curriculum. JRF’s four-year curriculum enables students to navigate the college environment effectively, explore career options, develop leadership skills and embrace a commitment to service. Throughout the four-year program, JRF also promotes the values and character traits embodied in the heroic life of its namesake.

The JRF scholarship is awarded to outstanding high school graduates who plan to earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university. Additional fellowships are given to JRF Scholars to pursue opportunities to work and study abroad, and for post-graduate education.

Eligibility

Be a graduating high school senior;
Plan to attend an accredited and approved four-year institution within the United States;
Show leadership potential;
Demonstrate a dedication to community service;
Present evidence of financial need;
Be a United States citizen;
Have a minimum SAT score of 1,000 combined on the math and critical reading sections or a composite ACT score of 21;
Not possess a degree from a 2- or 4–year College when applying for the scholarship.

Filing Period

November 1 through February 1

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation

Description

The Truman is a highly competitive, merit-based award offered to U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals from Pacific Islands who want to go to graduate school in preparation for a career in public service. The scholarship offers:

Recognition of outstanding potential as a leader in public service;
Affirmation of values and ideals;
Enhanced access to highly competitive graduate institutions;
Access to Scholar programs such as Truman Scholars Leadership Week, the Summer Institute and various Truman Fellows Programs;
Membership in a community of persons devoted to helping others and to improving the world; and,
Up to $30,000 to apply toward graduate study in the U.S. or abroad in a wide variety of fields.
Must be nominated by your institution
Must currently be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate degree program
Must be planning on attending graduate school to further a career in public service.

Eligibility

Must be U.S. citizens or expect to receive citizenship by the date the scholarship will be awarded
Junior-level academic standing or third-year senior
Commitment to work in government, education, the nonprofit sector, or public interest and advocacy for at least three of the first seven years after completing the Foundation-funded graduate degree
Top 25% of the class (usually around a 3.7 GPA)

Filing Period

Ends November 30^th

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People through POISE Foundation

Two scholarships, listed below, are offered for the NAACP through POISE Foundation.

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

Description

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship was established in the memory of the late Agnes Jones Jackson who was a long time NAACP member from the San Francisco branch.

Eligibility

Must be a current member of the NAACP.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Must not have reached the age of 25 by the application deadline.
Must be currently enrolled or accepted to an accredited college or university in the United States.
Must demonstrate financial need based on the federal poverty guidelines.

Must be full-time student.
Must possess a grade point average of 2.5 (C+) on a 4.0 system.

Filing Period

Due March 7

Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship for Male Students

Description

The Hubertus W.V. Willems Scholarship for Male Students is awarded annually to a male, US citizen who attends an accredited institution in the United States and is majoring in one of the following fields: Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematical Sciences.

Eligibility

Be a male majoring in one of the following fields: Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematical Sciences.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Be currently enrolled or accepted to an accredited college (excluding proprietary schools) in the United States.
NAACP membership and participation is highly desirable.
Must demonstrate financial need based on the federal poverty guidelines.
Must be full-time student.
Must possess a grade point average of 2.5 (C+) on a 4.0 system.

Filing Period

March 7

Study Abroad

The College of Arts and Sciences invites qualified undergraduates to apply for the International Study Scholarship to help support their study abroad experience.
Study abroad scholarships

Other Scholarships

Student Financial Aid and Career and Student Employment Services also have many resources to help with tuition and costs.