KCP Future Faculty
A fellowship program supporting future faculty pursuing graduate education in Michigan.
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 will 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.
Program Information
Applicants must complete the full KCP FFF application process by submitting an application to GVSU's Financial Aid Office by April 17 and the State of Michigan by April 24. Applicants may also be required to complete an interview with the review committee upon request.
Launch the State of Michigan applicationQuestions should be directed to [email protected] or (517)-335-5858
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:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Meet GVSU’s requirements for Michigan residency.
- Be a degree-seeking student accepted into a master’s or doctoral program at GVSU.
- Be in good academic standing. 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.
- Qualify as academically or economically disadvantaged as defined by the KCP Initiative.
Potential Qualifying Factors
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.
Application Process
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 17, 2026. The State of Michigan's external application is due April 24, 2026. 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 and faculty career.
Connect With Us
Cameron Jones, Civil Rights Specialist
Office of Civil Rights & Title IX
[email protected]
(616) 331-2187
Christel M. Smith, State of Michigan Program Coordinator
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
King Chavez Parks Initiative, Future Faculty Fellowship and Visiting Professor Programs
Elliott-Larsen Building
PO Box 30805
Lansing, MI, 48909