New Directions Scholarship

New Directions is a four-year renewable scholarship for incoming new freshmen enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program with a major in the College of Letters & Science. See the Letters & Science website to review eligible majors.

Competitive applicants will have a high school GPA of 3.70 or higher, strong writing skills as demonstrated on the application, and an array of high school activities.

Applications are accepted each year between October and December for high school seniors who are entering UWM the following fall as a freshman. E.G. high school seniors could apply in November 2024 if they are starting college in September 2025. *The priority deadline to apply is December 15; *applications will continue to be accepted for one month after that but will only be considered if funding is available after awards are made to students who met the priority deadline.

The application is in two parts:

  1. Complete the UWM Panther Scholarship Portal General Application – must be completed first
  2. Complete this New Directions Application which includes two questions and a copy of your high school transcript; this is required even though you have already sent a transcript as part of your application for admission

Students who complete the New Directions scholarship application will automatically be considered for all other freshmen scholarships offered by the College of Letters & Science.

Donor
Multiple Donors
Award
Varies up to $2,000 per year renewable for four years
Schools, Colleges, Departments, and Areas
College of Letters & Science, New Freshman Scholarships, UWM Foundation Scholarships
Deadline
01/15/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Why have you chosen your major and what are your current plans for how you will use your degree after college? We understand that plans change and your interests may change over the four years of college. Provide us with your tentative career plans for this moment in time.
  2. Students applying for scholarships all have strong GPAs. What makes you stand out from other applicants? Identify 2 to 3 things you have done besides going to class within the past two years that have shaped who you are. These can be school related activities but don't have to be. Some students may wish to list community activities, jobs, activities you do for your own personal fulfillment, etc. Choose what is most important to you. For each item you choose to list, briefly describe the activity, the time period it took place, and why it was important to you. You can also choose to add here anything else you want us to know about you that isn't covered in other parts of the scholarship application.
  3. Upload a copy of your high school transcript (unofficial copy is fine). Please make sure it shows what you are currently taking in senior year. A PDF file is preferred.