The King - Chávez - Parks (KCP) Future Faculty Fellowship Program was created by the Michigan legislature in 1986 as part of the larger King/Chávez/Parks Initiative. The KCP Future Faculty Fellowship (FFF) Program at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is funded by Workforce Development, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and the GVSU Graduate School.  

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

FFF recipients are required, by signed agreement, to pursue and obtain a master's degree at one of the fifteen public universities in Michigan.  FFF recipients are also obligated to obtain a postsecondary faculty teaching or approved administrative position at a public or private, 2- or 4-year, in-state or out-of-state postsecondary institution and remain in that position for up to three (3) years equivalent full-time, dependent upon the amount of the Fellowship Award. Fellows who do not fulfill the obligations of their Fellowship Agreement may be placed in default, which results in the Fellowship converting to a loan, referred to as a KCP Loan, that the Fellow repays to the State of Michigan.

Applicants must complete the full KCP FFF application process by submitting an application to the State of Michigan and GVSU's Financial Aid Office and completing an interview with the review committee upon request.

Awarded fellows must comply with all provisions of the State of Michigan's handbook and participate in at least one KCP FFF event on GVSU's campus each year.

Fellowship eligibility

Applicants must:

• qualify as academically or economically disadvantaged as defined by the KCP Initiative (more information below).
• meet GVSU's requirements for Michigan residency.
• be a U.S. citizen.
• be a degree-seeking student accepted into a master's or doctoral program at GVSU.
• be in good academic standing as defined by GVSU.
• not currently be in default on any guaranteed student loan.
• not have received another FFF Award for the same degree level.
• not be a recipient of an FFF Award at another university for a degree that has not been completed.

How do I qualify for this opportunity?

There are a variety of ways to be considered qualified to apply for the Future Faculty Fellowship. The most common ways are:

• Qualifying for "needs-based" federal student financial aid within the past five years.
• Receiving aid from a public assistance program within the last six months. or in the last 6 months received public assistance.
• Having a physical, mental, or learning disability.
• English is not your first language.
• Being a caregiver for an adult dependent.
• Being a first generation college graduate.
• Being a former foster child.
• Being currently homeless.
• Being formerly incarcerated and considered a ‘returning citizen.’
• Being a single parent with minor children or expecting a child.

How do I apply?

Students must submit two applications to be eligible for this fellowship. GVSU's internal application through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is due April 15, 2025. The State of Michigan's external application is due April 22, 2025. The committee review process begins in May, and final decisions will be shared by the end of June.

Applicants will need to provide the following documents as part of the application process:

• A copy of your picture ID.
• A copy of your birth certificate.
• A copy of your most recent university transcripts (unofficial are acceptable).
• A copy of your current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Documentation to support your qualifying characteristics (not required if qualifying as a first-generation college graduate).
• An estimated budget for how you will spend the award funds.
• A personal statement of your educational and career goals.
• Two or three letters of recommendation that speak to your character and aptitude for higher education.

The Committee will evaluate candidates using a rubric with the following criteria:

• Academic and personal honors.
• Academic and professional activities and leadership roles.
• Quality of personal statement.
• Quality of letters of recommendation.
• Commitment to completion of degree program.
• Interest in pursuing a career as a faculty member in a field where they are underrepresented.

State of Michigan Program Coordinator

Christel M. Smith

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

King Chavez Parks Initiative, Future Faculty Fellowship and Visiting Professor Programs

Elliott-Larsen Building

P O Box 30805

Lansing, MI     48909

Office Hours:  6:30am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday.

Office Phone: 517-335-5858

Direct Line: 517-643-6076

Email: [email protected]

GVSU Campus Administrator

Cameron Jones

Civil Rights Specialist

Division of Inclusion and Equity

1 Campus Drive, 4015 James H. Zumberge Hall

Allendale, MI 49401

Phone: (616) 331-2187