Will you be part of our next cohort of scholars?
Recruitment for Cohort 11 of the MKE Scholars Program will begin on Monday, December 1st, 2025.
In the meantime, please review the program description below. If you have any questions, please reach out to mkescholars-program@uwm.edu.
MKE Scholars Program Application Process
Review 2026 MKE Scholars Program Description
Before completing the electronic description form, please review the 2026 MKE Scholars Program Description PDF.
We would like to extend the opportunity to join the next cohort of the MKE Scholars Program. This year we are accepting up to 50 students in the 11th Cohort of the MKE Scholars Program. Please note that we are currently limited to students who attended a City of Milwaukee high school, exclusively. Additionally, students accepted under the UWM First-Year Bridge Program are not eligible for the MKE Scholars Program. Please continue reading the program description form below for a better understanding of the program’s benefits and expectations.
As a member of the MKE Scholars Program, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) are pleased to provide you with the following special benefits:
- A renewable $1000 scholarship toward UWM tuition and fees for up to four years, covering fall & spring semesters ONLY
- Progress towards the completion of Cultures and Communities Certificate, a distinguishing accomplishment to complement your undergraduate degree
- Added support through student success coaching and peer mentorship for advanced development and access to opportunities within the UWM community
- Social and educational programs to build a strong peer community
- Early access and notification to some on and off campus scholarships, internships, and service opportunities
To receive these benefits and maintain membership in the program, you must agree to:
Prospective students must be admitted to UWM as New Freshman. Currently enrolled UWM students, students admitted to the UWM First-Year Bridge Program, re-entry, and transfer students are not eligible for this program.
As an admitted, bachelor’s degree seeking undergraduate student attending UW-Milwaukee – Main Campus you must:
- Complete/submit the MKE Scholars Program Application no later than Friday, May 15th, 2026 (Available starting Sunday, December 1st, 2025)
- Complete/submit required enrollment “To-Do” list items outlined in the Admissions Portal and PAWS
- Attend a New Student Orientation (NSO) session any time before August 10th, 2026. Please remember that you may not schedule your New Student Orientation session for the same week as the MKE Scholars Summer Experience
- Actively Participate in the asynchronous online MKE Scholars Experience July 2026
- Meet with an MKE Scholars Success Coach 1:1 in-person or virtually during Summer 2026
- Actively participate in the week-long, in person, MKE Scholars Program Summer Experience and attend the Fall 2026 MKE Scholars Program Kickoff—August 10th-August 14th from 9:00-3:00 pm daily
- Meet bi-weekly with your assigned MKE Scholars Program Success Coach during the academic year
- Maintain regular engagement with your Academic Advisor and Peer Mentor during the academic year
- Participate in offered MKE Scholars events throughout the summer and academic year
- Successfully complete cohort courses towards the completion of the Cultures & Communities certificate program throughout your academic career at UWM, starting Fall 2026
- Complete & Submit a FERPA form permitting UWM to share information about your enrollment and progress with your college readiness program staff and external funding program partners
- Represent the University as a student leader and serve as an ambassador for the MKE Scholars Program