Scholarships
Anthropological studies Students
Paul and Dorothy Reese Armintrout Endowed Anthropology Fund (Internal)
Armintrout scholarships are awarded annually to one or more anthropology students engaged in a field experience that studies Native American cultures in southwest Michigan. Scholarship recipients are selected by anthropology faculty members on the basis of financial need and academic merit. This fund was established by the children of Paul and Dorothy Reese Armintrout to encourage the study of Native American culture in southwestern Michigan. Avid amateur archaeologists with a passionate interest in Native American culture, the Armintrout's were descended from pioneer families of southwestern Michigan.
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 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 and African studies 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 @email 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 1st
- 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
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 with in this past academic school year.
Filing Period
June 8 through July 31
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 30th
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.