The Rotary Club of Milwaukee (RCM) Scholarship Program partners with students who exemplify a motivation and drive to seek higher education at a four-year, two-year or technical college. In addition to a financial award, scholarship recipients benefit from educational programming, mentorship and support throughout college. The program typically supports about 25 students per school year.
 
Graduation Success Rates
Many of our scholars come from low-income families and are the first in their family to attend college. Nationally only 11% of first-generation, low-income college students earn a college degree within six years. Nearly two-thirds of our scholars graduated and on average completed their education in four and a half years. We are very proud of these results. 
 
Mentoring
Scholars are paired with at least one mentor, who provides guidance, career and personal advice and assistance in navigating the college experience. Many students find the mentor relationship to be the program’s greatest resource. One scholar said, “All of the support from Rotary’s Scholarship Program has helped me realize that I should never give up. When I stumble, the support of the Rotary program is there to lift me back up. I believe the connections and support will continue to help my academic success and continue to support me after graduation.”
Financial Aid
The amount of financial aid distributed is determined on an annual basis. Recent awards have ranged from $3,000 to $5,000 per academic year. With satisfactory academic achievement, scholarships may be renewed annually.
 
Applications
The application opens in December and completed applications are due on March 1st.  Applicants must:
  • Have achieved a GPA that qualifies them for entry into an appropriate institution.  Rotary does not have specific GPA requirements but seeks to identify and reward those who demonstrate a dedication to striving for academic success.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Reside in the City of Milwaukee.
  • Complete the application in full and submit letter(s) of reference and an original essay.