Grace Scholars Program

A scholarship to support and develop leaders of tomorrow

Every year, Mount Mary University awards Grace Scholarships to 20 female high school students who live in Milwaukee or West Milwaukee, equipping them with everything they need to succeed in college and their chosen career path.

The program provides Scholars with academic, professional, and financial support through a group-learning model that encourages community building and leadership development. Grace Scholar students receive financial aid and scholarship funds to cover 85% of tuition annually for four years.

The Grace Scholars Program is a partnership between the Burke Foundation and Mount Mary University.

Benefits of being a Grace Scholar

As a Grace Scholar, you will:

receive funding that covers 85% of tuition annually for four years
enroll in a special course with fellow Grace Scholars earning one additional credit per year
receive one-on-one advising and peer mentoring
receive academic, social, mental health, and financial support through various campus resources.
attend a six-week Summer Bridge Program before your first semester at Mount Mary. In this program, you'll develop skills for success in and outside of the classroom, build relationships as you transition to college, and earn three college credits.
receive monthly professional development opportunities to assist with post-graduate preparation
belong to a sisterhood that supports relationship-building and a sense of community

Take the next step toward becoming a Grace Scholar

Program eligibility

To be eligible for the Grace Scholars Program, you must:

be accepted to Mount Mary University as a full-time student.
have a high school GPA at or below 3.499.
be a resident of the city of Milwaukee or West Milwaukee and currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of high school.
be able to demonstrate financial need as identified by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Be Pell Eligible
be a first-time college student.
be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
demonstrate leadership experience through curricular and extracurricular activities.
be under 21 years old.

Note: Prior to submitting your Grace scholarship application, please contact your admission counselor to confirm your initial eligibility.

How to apply

1. Apply to Mount Mary and be accepted as a full-time student for the fall 2025-2026 academic year.

2. Complete the online Grace Scholars Application - Note: Due to the challenges this year has presented, we have removed the essay requirement from the Grace Scholars application. It's now easier than ever for eligible students to apply for this extremely generous scholarship program.

3. Complete your 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must file the 2025-2026 FAFSA to be considered for the program.

4. Complete an interview. Select finalists will be invited to a 30-minute interview for one of the Grace Scholarships. Applicants to the Grace Scholars Program must be accepted to Mount Mary University at least two weeks prior to the interview date.

Mount Mary is committed to making your education affordable.

Finding the next Grace Scholar

Do you know a student who might be a great fit for the Grace Scholars program? Please encourage her to check out the eligibility requirements and scholarship details. You can also:

Invite your students to talk to a current Grace Scholar: If you know a student who would like to chat with a current Grace Scholar about her experience in the program, please contact our Grace Scholars Program Director Vanessa Vásquez. We are happy to set up a phone call or video conference.

Follow us on Instagram

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Grace Scholars Program: @mmugracescholars

More about the program

Who is a good fit for the Grace Scholars Program?
Our ideal candidate is resilient and motivated. She’s eager to continue her education and she would thrive in an environment where she receives consistent support—from Mount Mary, her professors, advisors and her Grace Scholar peers.

What does it mean to be a Grace Scholar?
It’s the key to unlocking her potential and developing the skills that lead to a meaningful career and a life full of promise. A Grace Scholar has everything she needs to succeed, including academic, professional, mental health and financial support, along with professional development opportunities, one-on-one advising and peer mentoring.

What's it like going to Mount Mary University?
Mount Mary provides a uniquely supportive and empowering environment that’s only possible at an all-women’s school, where you will develop your ideas, identity and confidence in an inclusive environment. Each of our majors and programs incorporates creativity, social justice and leadership to provide students with the knowledge and confidence to transform their careers and communities.

What is unique about the community of Grace Scholars?
Experience tells us a Grace Scholar will quickly form close bonds with a group of young women who have many shared experiences that lead to an enhanced college experience and lifelong friendships. They provide one another the
encouragement and support they need to build meaningful relationships and foster a sense of community.

Are Grace Scholars eligible for other scholarships and financial aid?
Grace Scholars may receive federal financial aid and external scholarships in addition to the Grace Scholarship.

What does a Grace Scholar have to do to retain her scholarship from year to year?
All four years, a Grace Scholar must maintain her full-time status as a student and continue to meet the financial requirements of the award. She must remain in good academic standing with the university and with the Grace Scholars Program.

We look forward to helping you decide if the Grace Scholars Program would be a great fit for you. For more information about the program, please contact:

Rosa Luna-Garcia
Grace Scholars Coordinator
lunar@mtmary.edu | (414) 930-3237

Vanessa Vásquez
Grace Scholars Program Director
vasquezm@mtmary.edu | (414) 930-3119

In support of our continued partnerships with community-based organizations in Milwaukee, the following organizations will receive one guaranteed spot within the Grace Scholars Program (student must be enrolled in the pre-college program and/or high school, meet the Grace Scholars selection requirements, and be accepted to the University to qualify). Final decisions are determined by the Grace Scholars Program Director.

Organizations include:

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee
Carmen High School
College Possible
Cristo Rey High School
Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Milwaukee Academy of Science
Notre Dame School of Milwaukee Graduate Support Program
PEARLS for Teen Girls
St. Joan Antida High School
St. Augustine Preparatory Academy