• Must be a Mattawan High School student.

• Must qualify for free lunch during their senior year.

• Must be a first-generation college student, but exceptions may be granted for non-first-generation students when significant, documented barriers affect their ability to pursue postsecondary education.

• Must reside in Van Buren or Kalamazoo County.

• Must graduate high school with a 2.5 cumulative GPA or better.

• Must be enrolled as a full time college student, typically 12 credit hours per semester.

• In-state universities only.

• Students must be full time students.

• Students will have six years of eligibility from their high school graduation year. 

• Official transcript will be provided by students at the end of each semester.

• Attend and participate within the Theresa’s Way Forward mentorship program; including attending monthly virtual meetings.

Students in poverty often get the highest amount of state and federal loans, as well as the Pell Grant. Typically there is a financial gap averaging about $4,500 per semester. When parents are not able to take out a personal loan, this gap becomes a barrier that prevents capable and talented students from going to college.

Often times, families who have such financial difficulty do not have access to transportation creating the barrier to attending community college and continuing to reside at home. Also, research shows that students who begin at four-year universities are significantly more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree. Many students living in poverty who plan to transfer from community college never complete that transition due to financial pressures, family responsibilities, or credit transfer challenges.

~69% bachelor’s completion if students start at a four-year university

~16% bachelor’s completion if students start at community college intending to transfer

This gap is why many researchers argue that expanding access to four-year universities for low-income students is one of the most effective strategies for increasing bachelor’s attainment and economic mobility.

Parents/guardians are unable to take out a personal loans due to financial constraints.

Eligible institutions for Theresa’s Way Forward scholarships are in-state universities only.

The scholarship must be used during the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.