KING/CHÁVEZ SCHOLARS
Kick off your college journey with purpose, passion, and a powerful community by your side! The King/Chávez Scholars Program at UW-Whitewater offers more than just a head start; it’s your launchpad to becoming a changemaker. Imagine your first year filled with meaningful connections, real leadership opportunities, and experiences that shape your future both on campus and beyond. As a scholar, you'll also gain early exposure to undergraduate research, learning how to ask important questions, explore new ideas, and develop your own projects, all with the full support of faculty mentors and a close-knit peer community. If you're driven to make an impact and eager to grow alongside other motivated students, this is where your story begins.
The King/Chávez Scholars Program is designed to attract and retain exceptional incoming* undergraduate scholars to UW-Whitewater. Students come from diverse backgrounds and engage in high impact educational practices and experiences that will adequately prepare them to be leaders that inspire, engage, and transform the UWW campus community and beyond. This program also reflects UW-Whitewater’s commitment to upholding the ideals and expectations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chávez.
We will begin accepting applications in October 2025.
Initiated at UW-Whitewater in the fall of 1997, the King/Chávez Scholars Program provides students with a comprehensive first year experience through participation in a residential learning community experience with connected courses. The King/Chávez Scholars Program prepares students for the transition from high school to college, provide peer groups for academic and social reinforcement, provide opportunities for faculty mentorship, introduce undergraduate research and its relationship to classroom and career performance, and create stamina for graduate and professional study. In addition, the program has a history of producing a pool of potential prospects for the McNair Scholars Program, Undergraduate Research Program, University Honors Program, and other high impact practice (HIPS) initiatives while developing campus leaders and mentors.
*Student is currently in their final year of high school when applying.
CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?
Fall Transition Week
The fall transition week assists students with their transition from high school to college through a comprehensive preparation experience and provide them with a peer group for academic and social reinforcement.
Student Engagement
Students receive specialized advising, networking opportunities and connections to internship opportunities.
Financial Support
Students in the program are rewarded a scholarship package worth approximately $2,500 per semester.
Dream. Lead. Achieve
Our Services
- Financial Support: Students in the program are awarded a scholarship package worth approximately $2,500/semester.
- Transition Assistance: The King/Chávez 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 King/Chávez 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
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John Dominguez Jr. Director McCutchan 107 Phone: (262) 472-5330 Email: DomingueJ03@uww.edu |
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Program Coordinator Terri Jones McCutchan 116 Phone: (262) 472-5391 Email: JonesTT25@uww.edu |
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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 in the King/Chávez program 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 King/Chávez 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 King/Chávez 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 King/Chávez Scholars program are awarded the King/Chávez Scholarship. The scholarship is worth $5,000 and includes a meal plan and academic scholarship. In order for students to maintain their scholarship, they must actively participate in and complete the following requirements of the King/Chávez 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 King/Chávez Scholars Program staff
- Participate in events and activities hosted by the King/Chávez Scholars Program
- Complete and present a research project at the end of the spring semester
Scholarship Breakdown
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship | $1,086 | $1,086 |
| Meal Plan Waiver* | $1,460 | $1,460 |
| Total | $2,500 | $2,500 |
*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 King Chavez Program
If you have any questions, please email the King/Chávez Scholars Program at KCScholars@uww.edu.
Job Title: King/Chávez Peer Mentor, King/Chávez 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 King/Chávez Scholars Program. We need committed role models to assist at the KC Summer Orientation and Transition Program for the new King/Chávez Cohort. Under the supervision of the King/Chávez 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 King/Chávez 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 King/Chávez 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 K/C 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
Want to learn more about King/Chávez Scholars?
KCScholars@uww.edu