Academic scholarships

The Burke Foundation supports a variety of undergraduate and graduate scholarships on campuses throughout Milwaukee. While each program is unique in its requirements and student population, all uphold the common values of social justice, leadership development, and civic engagement.
Burke Scholars, Marquette University

The Burke Scholarship is a four-year program for first-year, full-time undergraduate students who have a passion for social justice and a commitment to serve others. This full-tuition scholarship is awarded annually to 10 academically talented Wisconsin high school seniors who exhibit leadership, have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community, and aspire to pursue careers that benefit the public good. Scholarship recipients may also receive a stipend for living expenses based on their financial needs.

Award Amount:
  • Full Tuition
  • Eligibility for and the amount of the stipend depends on student need.

Selection Criteria:
  • Wisconsin high school senior or entering first-year student following a service gap year.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and community service through leadership, volunteerism, career goals, and a passion to make a difference
  • Demonstrated academic excellence through high GPA, ACT/SAT and application materials.  Applicants applying under the test optional policy are eligible and will be given equal consideration.

Deadline to Apply:
  • February 1

For more information about the Burke Scholars program, Click Here.
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Caroline Scholars, Mount Mary University

The Caroline Scholars Program is a four-year scholarship program for first-year, full-time female undergraduate students with a passion for social justice. This highly selective program provides challenging academic work, leadership development, service learning opportunities and financial assistance that covers full tuition, room and board. Six students are chosen for the Caroline Scholars Program each year. 

Award Amount:
  • Full Tuition
  • Residence Hall living stipend including meal plan

Selection Criteria:
  • Entering Mount Mary as an incoming first-year student
  • Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Accepted to Mount Mary University as a full-time student, without provisional conditions.
  • Involved in extracurricular and service-related activities in high school and in the community.

Student Requirements:
  • Complete 300 hours of academic service learning each year and experience the real life social justice issues discussed in the classroom.
  • Live in a learning community in the residence hall with other Caroline Scholars.
  • Enroll in a special 2 credit course with fellow Caroline Scholars every semester.

Deadline to Apply:
  • Annually in Early December

For more information about the Caroline Scholars program, Click Here.
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Grace Scholars, Mount Mary University

The Grace Scholars Program covers 85 percent of tuition for four years for incoming freshmen from the city of Milwaukee who demonstrate leadership skills and have financial need. The program provides young women leaders with academic, personal, and financial support as they create their future and fulfill their dreams at Mount Mary University. Each year, only 30 students are selected to be part of the program.

Award Amount:
  • 85% of tuition
  • Residential grant for students choosing to live on campus

Selection Criteria:
  • Resident of the City of Milwaukee
  • Demonstrates financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 
  • Demonstrates leadership experience through curricular and extracurricular activities
  • Under 21 years old
  • First-time college student
  • Citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Not enrolled in Mount Mary's Nursing 1-2-1 program

Deadline to Apply:
  • Annually in Mid-November

For more information about the Grace Scholars program, Click Here.
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MKE Scholars, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The MKE Scholars Program is designed exclusively for students at UW-Milwaukee who are affiliated with a Burke Foundation-sponsored program. These programs currently include College Possible, Boys & Girls Club of Milwaukee, Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, PEARLS for Teen Girls, United Community Center, Nativity Jesuit Academy, and Carmen High School of Science & Technology. The MKE Scholars program creates a social and educational community of peers, and provides opportunities for advanced leadership development through job opportunities and volunteer roles within the UWM community. MKE Scholars earn a Cultures and Communities Certificate, a distinguishing accomplishment to complement their undergraduate degree. Students also receive added support from an Academic Adviser, Success Coach, and Peer Mentor.

Award Amount:
  • Scholarship towards Summer Bridge tuition and fees
  • Summer housing and meals stipend
  • Renewable scholarship toward tuition for up to four semesters
  • Financial support towards textbooks for up to four semesters

Student Requirements:
  • Actively participate in and complete the Summer Bridge Program which includes seven credits of English, Math, Electives, and/or non-credit developmental coursework.
  • Live on-campus during the 8-week Summer Bridge program.
  • Meet as directed with their Academic Adviser, Success Coach, and Peer Mentor.
  • Participate in mandated special MKE Scholars events throughout the summer and academic year.
  • Complete the five Cultures and Communities Learning Community courses within the first five semesters at UWM.

Deadline to Apply:
  • Annually on March 1st. Eligible students should work with their high school college readiness programs to enroll in the MKE Scholars

For more information about the MKE Scholars program, Click Here.


Undergraduate Scholarships

Burke Scholars

caroline Scholars

Grace Scholars

mke scholars
Burke Fellows, Alverno College &
Schools That Can Milwaukee

Schools That Can Milwaukee and Alverno College together operate a unique and rigorous two-year principal licensure and master’s degree program. The Burke Fellowship combines the strength and reputation of Alverno’s educational leadership and MBA programs with Schools That Can Milwaukee’s experience with on-the-ground school leadership coaching. Burke Fellows concurrently serve in a leadership role at a Milwaukee school (in or out of the STCM network), are enrolled in Alverno’s Master’s in Administrative Leadership program, receive job-embedded coaching aligned to their studies, and participate in additional seminars and networking events. After completing the program, Fellows have a 3-year service commitment to a Milwaukee school.

Award Amount:
  • 90% of tuition & program costs

Typical Candidate Profile:
  • Committed to leading and/or creating high-quality schools in Milwaukee
  • Believes all children have the potential to learn and succeed
  • Open to coaching and feedback
  • Open to collaborating with colleagues from all types of schools - district, independent charter, and private Choice
  • Has 3+ years successful teaching experience
  • Will be working in a school leadership role that is at least 50% out of the classroom while in the program
  • Willing and able to commit to three years of Milwaukee school leadership upon program completion

Student Requirements:
  • After completing the program, Fellows have a 3-year service commitment to a Milwaukee school.

Deadline to Apply:
  • Annually in April

For more information about the Burke Fellows program, Click Here.

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Trinity Fellows, Marquette University

The Trinity Fellows Program of Marquette University is a graduate fellowship program dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice. Fellows participate in a 21-month study/work program, earning a master's degree in one of 15 fields of study while working in a substantial role with a nonprofit agency.
 
Each year up to 15 fellowships are awarded to students who demonstrate leadership potential, care for the well-being of others, are passionate about issues of social and economic justice, and who wish to acquire experience in the urban nonprofit sector while obtaining a master’s degree.

Award Amount:
  • Full-tuition scholarship
  • Monthly stipend to purchase books and other living expenses
  • Funds for professional development

Selection Criteria:
  • Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Marquette University Graduate program of choice.
  • Applicants must have completed the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Teach for America, or other comparable full-time service program OR 2+ years of full-time employment with a nonprofit organization.

Student Requirements:
  • Fellows work at nonprofit agency placements 18 hours per week during the academic year, and 40 hours per week during the summer between academic years.
  • Fellows are expected to complete their master’s degree programs in two academic years, taking approximately nine credits per semester.
  • Fellows take three courses together as a cohort, required for Trinity Fellows regardless of graduate program.
  • Participation in monthly personal and professional development reflections.
  • Participation fee of $1,250 per semester.

Deadline to Apply:
  • Annually on January 15

For more information about the Trinity Fellows program, Click Here.

graduate
Programs

Burke Fellows

Trinity fellows