In an effort to increase vaccination rates before welcoming students back to campus this fall, Western Michigan University (WMU) has announced an initiative that will give select inoculated students scholarships.
Through the school’s COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program, 60 fully vaccinated students have a chance to win scholarships of up to $10,000.
To become eligible, students must be enrolled for fall classes and either be given the dose at the Sindecuse Health Center or submit vaccination documentation on the center’s secure patient portal.
“From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, combating the virus has called on each of us to exhibit extraordinary self-sacrifice, patience and grace,” wrote the WMU COVID-19 response coordination team in a campus message.
“This was and still is the key to reaching full normality. We’re now close to that reality because of your efforts to safeguard your health and that of your fellow Broncos.”
WMU Incentives
WMU Vice President of Student Affairs Diane Anderson explained that the scholarship program was also established to help students pay for the cost of college. Program incentives include:
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- Five $10,000 scholarships;
- Ten $2,500 scholarships;
- Twenty-five $1,000 scholarships; and
- Twenty $500 scholarships.
The money can then be used to cover tuition and other fees, room and board, and campus dining. Additionally, all WMU students, faculty, and staff members who have been vaccinated will each receive a $5 Starbucks gift card.
The first round of winners will be announced on August 6 for three of the $10,000, five of the $2,500, and 10 of the $1,000 scholarships. The remaining recipients will be announced from September 6 to December 6.
