Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities

The Department of Sociology at Western Michigan University recognizes the importance of a quality education and is dedicated to helping you find a way to achieve your higher education goals.

Georgia e. doles Walker emergency grant

To be apply for funds from the Georgia E. Doles Walker Emergency Grant you must:

  • Submit a statement of purpose in writing to the Chair of the Department, Dr. David Hartmann, 3245 Sangren Hall, Department of Sociology.
  • Preference shall be given to students who enhance WMU's diversity and multiculturalism.

The grant money is to provide emergency funds to students who are seeking a degree in the Department of Sociology. These funds may be used to purchase books, school supplies, or payment for travel expenses related to school and/or other emergency occurrences. The funds may not be used for tuition, fees, or other income owed to the University.  An applicant may apply for and receive funds (up to $500) only one time during a semester.

Lanny Wilde Scholarship

To be eligible for the Lanny Wilde Scholarship you must:

  • Have already been admitted to the Kalamazoo Valley Police Academy.
  • Get an application from the academic advisor in the Department of Sociology. Submit it, along with a one-page, double-space typed statement stating the financial and academic reasons why you should receive the award.

The decision is based on your cumulative GPA, your criminal justice GPA, and the review of your application by the director of the criminal justice program.

The award provides $500 toward the cost of the final semester of the Kalamazoo Valley Police Academy. These scholarships are awarded twice each year—once for each of the semesters of the Police Academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Lloyd Braithwaite Scholarship

To be eligible for the Lloyd Braithwaite Scholarship you must:

  • Be an undergraduate and a full time criminal justice student with a 3.0 GPA in your criminal justice core classes.
  • It is highly recommended that you have at least one year of an internship or experience in the corrections field, or plan to in the next academic year.
  • Provide a resume and three letters of recommendation by a faculty member or someone with academic connections.
  • Submit your resume and letters of recommendation to:  Anna Lee Miller, 3235 Sangren Hall, Department of Sociology, Mail Stop: 5257, Western Michigan University.
  • Please apply by February 1st to receive the award for the following fall and spring semesters.

This scholarship is not based on financial need or whether a student qualifies for student financial assistance. The selected student will receive $1,000 for the next academic year, with $500 awarded in the fall semester and $500 in the spring semester.

Stanley S. and Helenan S. Robin Scholarship

To be eligible for the Stanley S. and Helenan S. Robin Scholarship you must:

  • Be a sociology or Social Psychology major.
  • Be of junior status when applying.
  • Plan to pursue a graduate degree in sociology.
  • Apply online at Scholarship Universe by February 1 at this link: wmich.scholarshipuniverse.com.

Work-study opportunities

The Department of Sociology hires student workers who have work-study financial aid. If you have received a work-study award, contact the department at (269) 387-5271 or stop by 3311 Sangren Hall to find out more about this opportunity.

work opportunities for undergraduates

Faculty members may request undergraduate students to assist them for 5 hours a week, providing research or classroom support.