FORWARD SCHOLARS

Our Services

• Financial Support: Students in the program are awarded a scholarship package worth approximately $2,500/semester.
• Transition Assistance: The Forward Scholars Program prepares students for the transition from high school to college and provides them with a peer group for academic and social development. The program also allows students to develop a relationship with a faculty/staff mentor and introduces students to undergraduate research opportunities, as well as other high impact educational practices.
• Residential Living Experience: Students are placed into the Wells residence hall to live and study among their cohort as part of the Forward Scholars Learning Community.
• Student Engagement: Students receive specialized advising, networking opportunities, and connections to internship opportunities.

Program Outline

• Fall Transition Week: Scholars will move into the residence halls the week prior to the start of the fall semester. Scholars will have a comprehensive preparational experience on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus.
• Learning Community: Students participate in 3 connected courses during the fall semester, 1 connected course during the spring semester, and live and study among their cohort in Wells Hall.
• Co-Curricular Programming: Scholars will engage in various activities outside the classroom to prepare them to excel in college, including attending academic lectures, cultural enrichment activities, and exposure to careers with advanced degrees.
• Introduction to Research: Students will be introduced to research, how to write a literature review, and what it is like to present at a poster symposium.

Program Staff

Picture	Information
	John Dominguez Jr. Director McCutchan 107 Phone: (262) 472-5330 Email: DomingueJ03@uww.edu
	Program Coordinator   Terri Jones McCutchan 116 Phone: (262) 472-5391 Email:  JonesTT25@uww.edu
	Graduate Assistant   Jaelyne White Phone: (262) 472-7587 Email:  KCScholars@uww.edu

The Fall Transition Week is an event that happens the week before the first week of classes at UW-Whitewater. The week is designed to prep incoming students for their first semester of college. Students have the chance to meet new people, meet faculty and staff, build connections, and learn about important campus resources. Some of the other benefits include:

• Moving into the residence halls early
• Connecting with a student mentor
• Free meals during the week

The Fall Transition Week is packed full with many seminars and info sessions to help prepare students to succeed during the fall semester and beyond.

Students enrolling in linked courses within a learning community benefit through fostering collaboration, strengthening peer connections, and enhancing understanding through interdisciplinary learning. During the fall semester, the Forward Scholars Learning Community linked courses include New Student Seminar, a general education core course, and a social sciences course. In the spring semester, students enroll in the Forward Scholars Research Seminar where they begin to develop research projects. Students will develop critical thinking skills, reading strategies, research writing skills, as well as design and structure their own research proposal and poster.

Students that are admitted into the program are awarded the Forward Scholars Scholarship. The scholarship is worth $5,000 and includes a meal plan and academic scholarship. To maintain their scholarship, students must actively participate in and complete the following requirements of the Forward Scholars Program:

• Attend and actively participate in all sessions of the Fall Transition Week
• Register and complete the connected courses for both fall and spring semester
• Attend advising meetings with Forward Scholars Program staff
• Participate in events and activities hosted by the Forward Scholars Program
• Complete and present a research project at the end of the spring semester

Scholarship Breakdown

*Meal Plan Waiver based on 14 meals/week and $50 Dining Dollars plan. If a student selects a plan below the amount, they are not refunded the difference. If a student selects a higher amount, they will have to cover the extra charges.

Program Eligibility 
Qualified applicants are UW-Whitewater admitted students, first-time Freshman in the fall following high school graduation, and enrolled in at least 12 in-person credits on the Whitewater campus by the start of the program. Special consideration is given to first-generation college students and those with significant financial need. 
 
Application Deadline 
Complete applications received before May 15, 2026, will be reviewed by the scholarship committee. Those received after that date are considered, along with other applicants on the waiting list, if space is available. Scholarship awards are based on a holistic review of all application materials and are granted at the discretion of the selection committee. 
 
Only complete applications are considered, and it is highly recommended to attach a letter of recommendation. 

Apply for the Forward Scholars Program »

If you have any questions, please email the Forward Scholars Program at ForwardScholars@uww.edu.

Job Title: Peer Mentor, Forward Scholars Fall Transition Program
Pay Rate: $600 stipend
When: Summer Online Workshops, Training, Bridge week
Location: In person

Job Responsibilities:
The TRIO & EOP department is seeking a motivated student to join the Forward Scholars Program. We need committed role models to assist at the Forward Scholars Summer Orientation and Transition Program for the new Forward Scholars Cohort. Under the supervision of the Forward Scholars Director & Coordinator, Peer Mentors will supervise and engage in activities, workshops, and events with new students. We seek leaders dedicated to positively impacting the new Forward Scholars' lives. Peer Mentors will provide guidance during cultural and academic programming and monitor recreational events, ensuring problem-solving throughout the summer orientation and transition program.

Qualifications
● Must be enrolled full-time at UW-W and in good academic standing.
● Experience at working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential.
● Attention to detail as it relates to communication and teamwork.
● The ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information is necessary.
● Experience with leadership, mentoring, or community engagement preferred.

Mentorship and Leadership Expectations:
•  Represent the Forward Scholars Program and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with professionalism and integrity.
•  Engage with students to foster peer relationships that support their academic year.
•  Be knowledgeable about campus organizations and resources.
•  Interact with freshmen during summer orientation, group mentorship meetings, games, and activities.
•  Promote TRIO &EOP events while encouraging participation in campus-wide programs and high-impact practices (HIPs).
•  Communicate effectively with students and staff.
•  Maintain mentor relationships with students throughout the academic year.
•  Attend and complete all mentor training in preparation for transition week.
•  Attend (3) summer workshops scheduled for incoming Forward Scholars students.
•  Participate in all workshops and activities for the entire bridge week.
•  Check in meetings with the Program Coordinator and Director during the programs.

Through this position, students will:
● Develop career readiness skills including communication, professionalism, and time management.
● Develop communication and crisis intervention skills in a setting that serves students with diverse needs.
● Enhance leadership and mentoring abilities through direct engagement with peers.
● Strengthen teamwork and collaboration in a diverse educational environment.
● Apply problem-solving and critical thinking in event planning and student support.
● Demonstrate civic engagement through community service and program involvement.

Contact:
John R. Dominguez, Jr. Director  
McCutchan Hall, Room 107
(262) 472-5330
DomingueJR03@uww.edu

Terri Jones 
Program Coordinator
McCutchan Hall, Room 116
(262) 427-5291
JonesTT25@uww.edu

Founded in 1997 as the King/Chávez Scholars Program, and renamed in 2026, the Forward Scholars Program has engaged hundreds of Warhawks in life-changing student experiences. The program name pays homage to Wisconsin’s state motto, “Forward,” and combines it with UW-Whitewater’s academic mission. Alumni of our program are committed to “paying it forward” in their professional lives and by returning as guests, and through philanthropic support. The Forward Scholars Program is a key strategy to create social mobility for UW-Whitewater students and graduates.