The King-Chávez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship Program

The purpose of the King-Chávez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship Program is to increase the pool of academically or economically disadvantaged candidates pursuing faculty teaching or administrative careers in postsecondary education. Preference may not be given to applicants on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, or national origin.

The program was created by the Michigan State Legislature in 1986 as part of the larger King-Chávez-Parks Initiative designed to stem the downward spiral of college graduation rates for students underrepresented in postsecondary education. Future Faculty Fellows are eligible to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at the public universities in Michigan, and are obligated (by signed agreement) to remain in postsecondary faculty teaching or administration in a public or private, 2- or 4-year, in-state or out-of-state postsecondary institution for a minimum of three years equivalent full-time.  

A portion of this service obligation may be completed while a student earns his/her graduate degree.  Fellows who do not fulfill the obligations of their fellowship agreement may be placed in Default, which results in their fellowship converting to a loan (referred to as a KCP Loan) that the Fellow repays to the State of Michigan. A Master’s recipient may receive a maximum of $20,000 towards their degree and a doctoral student may receive a maximum of $35,000 towards their degree. Learn more about the KCP initiative through the State of Michigan.

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Watch Introduction to the Future Faculty Fellowship Program video
Preview image for Introduction to the Future Faculty Fellowship Program video

Introduction to the Future Faculty Fellowship Program

Information from the State of Michigan about this program.

View Past Recipients

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must:

  • Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Meet Michigan Tech's requirements for Michigan residency.
  • Have been accepted at Michigan Tech into a graduate degree program that facilitates a career in postsecondary teaching.
  • Be in good academic standing, as defined by Michigan Tech.
  • Not be currently in default on any guaranteed student loan.
  • Have not previously received another FFF Award for the same degree level (master’s or doctorate). (Note: Previous recipients that did not receive the maximum allowable award may reapply for additional funds while still in pursuit of that degree.)
  • Not currently be a recipient of an FFF Award at another university for a degree that has not been completed.
  • Not have previously had an FFF Award converted to a KCP Loan.
  • Be academically or economically disadvantaged, as defined by the KCP Initiative.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be holistically evaluated by the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Committee and a Michigan Tech staff member on the following criteria:

  • Academic merit of the candidate.
  • Ability of the candidate to conduct independent research.
  • Level of commitment to pursuing a career in postsecondary education.
  • Level of support from the graduate program.
  • Overcoming economic disadvantages.

Application Procedure

Current or accepted students who meet the eligibility requirements may apply. Applications are currently being accepted for funding beginning in fall 2024. Priority for funding will be given to complete applications received by April 9, 2024, 4pm. Pending availability of funds, applications received through 4pm, April 30, 2024 will be considered on a rolling-basis. Applicants are highly encouraged to complete their application well in advance of the portal closing on April 30th.

Questions?

Please contact Dr. Debra Charlesworth with questions about the fellowship program or application procedure.

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