Scholarships & Grants

Scholarship & Grant Opportunities

Many students balance school with other responsibilities, and unexpected challenges can make it harder to stay on track. The Center for Gender and Sexuality provides resources and information for students with scholarships and emergency funds that help ease financial stress, support academic persistence, and address housing or crisis-related needs. These resources include CGS Critical Difference Grants, CEW+ scholarships for eligible students, and the Gates Emergency Fund.

Additional Emergency Funds for Students
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
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Critical Difference Grants

The Center for Gender and Sexuality offers two Critical Difference Grants: CGS Women+ and Mary Jo Sekelsky LGBTQIA+ Scholarship. Both are available for students who have experienced unforeseen economic hardship. Typical grants are used to cover utility bills, car repairs, childcare expenses, and similar costs. Eligible students must have experienced an interruption in their academic career, attended a CGS event, and hold a GPA of 2.0 and above. Unfortunately, the grants do not support tuition assistance or study abroad funds.

For more information regarding the Critical Difference Grants, visit the CGS Intranet Page.

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CEW+ Scholar

Annually, students from Flint, Dearborn and Ann Arbor campuses are invited to apply for the CEW+ Scholarship Program. Eligible students must meet one of the following criteria to apply:

  • Identify as a parent or caregiver.
  • Majoring in a STEM field.
  • Have experienced an interruption in their academic career. 

Students may receive up to $10,000 in academic support. 

For more information, students can visit the CEW+ Scholarship page.

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Gates Emergency Fund

In honor of former student Jaylynn Gates, the Gates Emergency Fund was established through the Center for Gender and Sexuality to assist students facing housing and/or related crises. Students can apply for support with a down payment for an appt, legal name changes, or related concerns.

To apply, visit the Gates Emergency Fund application page.