The Western Michigan University chapter of the American Association of University Professors is again funding a scholarship for first-generation college students.
Western Michigan University and the university’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors are renewing a partnership that provides scholarships to first-generation college students. This is the second year the scholarship will be available for eligible students.
According to an article on Western Michigan University’s website, WMU-AAUP President Dr. Andrew Hennlich was quoted as saying of the partnership, “Peace, democracy, social justice and health are central to the mission of the AAUP, so we are pleased to collaborate with WMU and President Kavalhuna on this scholarship. We appreciate this opportunity to support an incoming student with a year’s in-state tuition to help sustain these core values into the future.”
The WMU/AAUP Scholarship for First-Generation Students is available for eligible students who are first-generation, immigrants or refugees, or children of parents with immigrant or refugee status. Students must have a demonstrated financial need, and preference will be given to students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools. As noted by Hennlich, preference will be given to individuals who are interested in promoting peace, democracy, social justice or health through education.
The scholarship award will either go to one student, whose full tuition for one year will be very nearly covered by the scholarship, or to three students, who will receive about $5,500 each.
University president Russ Kavalhuna said, “Teaching people and giving people access to public education, especially here at Western Michigan University, is a passion project for all of us. The AAUP and the University have come together to support students in what we think is one of the most transformational things we do: giving people shots at the American Dream through public education.”
Students can apply for the scholarship beginning on December 1, 2026, through February 15, 2027.
For more information about Western Michigan University, visit the school’s website.