About Pathways to GVSU
Pathways to GVSU is a long-term college access and readiness initiative that partners with students beginning with acknowledgement in 8th grade and continues to support them through high school. The program is designed for students who are motivated to pursue higher education--especially those who will be the first in their families to attend college.
Through hands-on learning, career exploration, and financial aid guidance, Pathways to GVSU helps students build the confidence, knowledge, and support network they need to successfully navigate the path to college. By starting early, the program creates opportunities for students to envision their futures, set academic goals, and understand what it takes to thrive in college and beyond.
Our Goals
Supporting Academic Growth
Equip students with the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate each stage of their academic journey —through high school—by building strong habits, academic awareness, and college-ready mindsets.
Empowering Students with College Readiness & Financial Knowledge
Connect students with essential resources for college readiness and financial literacy, guiding them through career exploration, admissions, FAFSA completion, and scholarship applications. With workshops and expert coaching, students gain the tools to make informed decisions and manage college costs.
Empowering Students Through Belonging
Build a supportive community that connects students, families, and educators through mentorship, family engagement, and school partnerships—creating a culture where students feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.
Pathways to GVSU -- and More
We introduce students to college early through campus visits, admissions events, and scholarship opportunities at GVSU—while also helping them explore other postsecondary options such as community colleges, trade programs, and universities that align with their goals.
Scholarships and Grant Aid Options
While Pathways to GVSU is not a scholarship program, students who participate are guided toward a wide range of financial aid opportunities that can make college more affordable--especially at Grand Valley State University.
Early Awareness Scholarship
Renewable merit-based scholarship available to students who have participated in early college awareness programming for at least two years.
- Eligibility:
- Admitted into GVSU (during senior year)
- Award Amount:
- $3,000 or $1,000 per year
GV Pledge
The GV Pledge is Grand Valley's promise to make college more accessible for Michigan families by covering the full cost of tuition for qualifying families have an income of $50,000 or less and assets under $50,000.
It is simple to apply!
- Apply to GVSU (during your senior year in high school)
- Be accepted
- File the FAFSA
GVSU Merit Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a range of merit-based scholarships to incoming first-year students who demonstrate strong academic achievement in high school.
These scholarships are awarded automatically at the time of admission—no separate application required—and are based on a combination of GPA, curriculum strength, and overall academic performance.
Award amounts range between $11,000 to $1,000 annually, and most are renewable for up to four years, provided students maintain full-time enrollment and meet renewal criteria.
The Robert and Ellen Thompson Scholarships
The Thompson Working Families Scholarships supports Michigan students from working- and middle-class families who may not qualify for need-based aid but still need help paying for college.
Highlights:
- Renewable for up to four years
- Con be combined with other scholarships and aid
- Includes access to the Thompson Scholars support network with academic and leadership programming
Eligibility:
- Michigan resident
- Must complete the FAFSA
- Admitted to GVSU (during senior year)
- Enrolled full-time and meeting academic progress
myScholarships at GVSU
In addition to automatic awards, Grand Valley offers hundreds of competitive and donor-funded scholarships through the myScholarships portal—an easy-to-use platform where students can search, apply, and track their scholarship applications in one place.
Pathways to GVSU students are strongly encouraged to create a profile and apply for scholarships that align with their background, interests, and academic goals.
Key Features:
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One central system for applying to multiple GVSU scholarships
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Filters to match you with opportunities based on major, leadership, financial need, and more
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Open to both incoming and current students
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Application deadlines vary, so early access is encouraged
Michigan State Scholarships & Grants
Students in the Pathways to GVSU program may also qualify for state-funded scholarships and grants offered through the State of Michigan. These awards are based on residency, financial need, and academic eligibility, and they do not require repayment.
Common programs include:
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Michigan Achievement Scholarship
For high school graduates in the Class of 2023 and beyond. Provides up to $5,500 per year to eligible students attending GVSU. Students must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need. -
Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS)
Based on SAT scores and financial need. Award amounts vary, and students must file the FAFSA and indicate Michigan residency. -
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
For students who qualified for Medicaid for at least 24 months within a 36-month period. TIP helps cover tuition and mandatory fees at approved institutions, including GVSU.