King/Chávez Scholars Program
“ They saw something in me before I saw it in myself.”
“ I had a group I could be with.”
“(The King/Chávez Scholars Program) lets students have the opportunity to create a shared community amongst one another both academically and socially. It enriches their college experience in so many ways.”
-King/Chávez Scholars Program alumni and current students
Named to honor the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and César Chávez, the King/Chávez Scholars Program is a merit-based scholarship for first-generation college students entering UW-Whitewater. Scholars demonstrate significant financial need and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program offers a transformative first-year experience through a residential learning community and exposure to High Impact Educational Practices.
With an 85.7% retention rate, the King/Chávez Scholars Program is a proven engine for student success. Scholars gain early access to campus during Fall Transition Week, connect with mentors and faculty, and build a strong foundation for academic and personal growth.
More than 1,100 students have benefited from this program, and we’re just getting started.
This year, with support from the King/Chávez Alumni Council, we’re raising $50,000 to grow the program’s endowment and expand its reach. You can help us get there with a monthly gift of $100 for 12 months, or a one-time gift of $1,200.
Your support ensures future scholars have access to mentorship, leadership development, and a community that believes in their potential. Help us build a legacy of opportunity and leadership.
Watch the video below to see the impact of the King/Chávez Scholars Program at UW-Whitewater. Every gift counts! Join us in supporting the next generation of Warhawk leaders!
Your gift today will result in more high-achieving and successful students pursuing careers and building productive and meaningful lives.
Make a $1,000 gift over one year with an $84 monthly recurring commitment!
Learn more about the King/Chávez Scholars Program
If you would like information on gifts that provide income or would like to discuss a donation of securities, please contact:
Kennedy Heckel '18, MSE '19
University Relations Officer
HeckelK@uww.edu
(262) 472-1622
Gift FAQs
Whether you are working on your estate planning or looking to make a donation of securities, there are many ways you can support UW-Whitewater. Our staff would be happy to speak with you in confidence, with no obligation. Please contact:
UW-Whitewater Foundation
foundation@uww.edu
(262) 472-1105
UW-Whitewater Foundation’s EIN number is 39-6081189. This can be used on any tax forms requiring documentation of donations to a 501(c)(3) organization.
To avoid any processing fees, you can make a check payable to:
UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc.
Mail checks to:
UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc.
Alumni Center
800 W Main St
Whitewater, WI 53190
Any donation made to the Foundation that does not clearly state the specific fund name will be allocated to the Warhawks Give (Greatest Needs) Fund.