King/Chávez Scholars Program

“ They saw something in me before I saw it in myself.”

“ I had a group I could be with.”

“(The King/Chávez Scholars Program) lets students have the opportunity to create a shared community amongst one another both academically and socially. It enriches their college experience in so many ways.”

                                                                                                    -King/Chávez Scholars Program alumni and current students

Named to honor the ideals and expectations of Dr. Martin Luther King and Cesar Chávez, the King/Chávez Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship program for first-semester, first-generation college students who demonstrates significant financial need with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Designed to attract exceptional undergraduate students to UW-Whitewater, the program provides students with a comprehensive first-year experience through participation in a residential learning community and exposure to High Impact Education Practices.

The Fall Transition Week gives King/Chávez scholars early access to the campus and residence hall before classes begin. During this important and impactful week, they learn how to navigate in a college environment and are introduced to their peers, mentors, campus faculty, and more.

Our King/Chávez scholars are already exceptional young people. What this program does is provides them the tools they need to successfully transition from high school to college and build upon their talents and abilities.

We have big plans – and we need your help!

The King/Chávez Scholars Program is currently a one-year program. We want to grow it to a four-year program.  With just one year, the scholars program has higher retention and campus involvement rates. We are excited about what our students will be capable of achieving with four years of academic, peer, and mentor support and encouragement.

Your financial support will allow more students to push themselves harder and achieve things they didn’t think possible. King/Chávez scholars participate in undergraduate research projects, study abroad, become McNair scholars, earn their Ph.D., become college professors, and more.

Don't believe us? Take it from former and current King/Chávez alumni.

Your gift today will result in more high-achieving and successful students pursuing careers and building productive and meaningful lives.

Make a $1,000 gift over one year with an $84 monthly recurring commitment!