Scholarships
Scholarships provide free money for college, reducing out-of-pocket costs and student loan debt for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) graduates.
Academic and Merit-Based Scholarships
Most scholarships are academic or merit-based. Criteria for scholarships can vary widely, but many scholarships often have a need-based component. The application materials will provide all the details.
- Academic scholarships focus on GPA, standardized test scores, and other academic performance measures.
- Merit-based scholarships may not always have a GPA requirement but often focus on community service participation, leadership skills, performance arts, and/or athletic ability.
Remember, the MPS Foundation offers scholarships exclusively for MPS graduates who are pursuing their college degrees.
Scholarship Applications and Criteria
Winning a scholarship can be a competitive process, and most private scholarships require a separate application that you must complete. Carefully reading the scholarship application materials is one of the most important steps. The application will provide all the eligibility requirements, document requirements, essay question(s), and due date.
Many need-based scholarships will require you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA completion is essential, as it also determines your eligibility for federal and state grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans. Many private and institutional need-based scholarships will use the expected family contribution (EFC) from your FAFSA to decide whether you qualify.
Colleges and universities may offer scholarships when you are accepted or as part of your acceptance and/or award letter.
Application Tips
Using college application portals helps you stay organized and track your application. Many college application portals have a scholarship database as an add-on feature. College application portals are a great way to maximize institutional aid as well. The Common Application, the Common Black College Application, the Coalition Application, and the Universal College Application are great portals.
Write an essay that conveys how special you are. The essay provides the scholarship committee with valuable information about your accomplishments, passions, and dreams. Be certain to proofread and edit your essay.
Timeline
Start applying for scholarships now. There are scholarships that are open to all grades, so you do not have to wait until your senior year to apply.
Spring of Junior Year
Review your academic and career planning (ACP) tools in Xello. Meet with your school counselor to refine your ACP. Calculate your cost of attendance for your top five colleges.
Take an in-person or virtual tour of your top college choices. Complete the FAFSA4caster to estimate your EFC. Request letters of recommendation from your school counselor, teachers, mentors, coaches, or other adults who can speak to your strengths.
Summer Before Senior Year
Research scholarships from local and national foundations, as well as institutional aid. Use the previous year's MPS scholarships list as a starting place. Write your personal statement and scholarship essay.
Download the MPS Senior Checklist
Fall of Senior Year
Meet with your school counselor to discuss your postsecondary plan. Use college application portals to apply to colleges and for scholarships. Complete the FAFSA and set a goal for applying for scholarships. Prepare for possible scholarship interviews.
Winter of Senior Year
Continue to apply for scholarships.
Spring of Senior Year
Continue to apply for scholarships. Review your award letters from all the colleges that you have been accepted to and compare financial aid packages. Reach out to your recruiter or financial aid officer with questions and requests.
Throughout College
Continue to apply for scholarships. In addition, apply for internships and work experiences that can help offset the costs of your college expenses. Consider careers that have special government loan repayment programs or service-related programs. If you have student loans, meet with your financial aid advisor to understand repayment options.
Scholarship Terms
If you have won a scholarship, be sure that you understand the terms of the gift. You may need to attend a special banquet, maintain a certain GPA for a renewable scholarship, or provide additional information to the scholarship donor. Make sure that you thank the donor, and consider sending them updates on your college journey.
More Information About Scholarships
MPS scholarship information is contained in an MPS Scholarship Google Folder. The folder holds event flyers, scholarship application materials, and more. All the materials can be viewed, downloaded, and printed.
Discover Scholarship Resources
Did you know that you can also find scholarships through Xello?
- Log in to Clever to access student applications and tools.
- Under the College and Career Readiness section, select Xello for Students. Log in with your student ID number and password.
- In Xello, scholarship information is on the lower-left side under Resources and Links.
Your school counselor or College and Career Center advisor can assist you in understanding the scholarship process and applying for scholarships. If you have any additional questions, please contact Karolyn Taylor, school counseling supervisor, at henderkt@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.