How do I know if I’m eligible for the Bearcat Advantage?
Students receive an email during the fall of their Senior year at their @bcbearcats email address with their login information for a student portal where they can see their personalized eligibility for the Bearcat Advantage scholarship based on the number of years they’ve been enrolled in BCPS. If you do not receive an email or are having trouble logging in, please contact bearcatadvantage@battlecreekpublicschools.org.
A student must have attended BCPS (either Battle Creek Central High School or W.K. Preparatory High School) for at least all of high school in order to be eligible. The longer you've been at BCPS, the bigger the scholarship you receive! A student’s benefit percentage of tuition and mandatory fees covered by Bearcat Advantage can be determined using a sliding scale based on the number of years they’ve been enrolled in BCPS. Eligibility is determined from the date of most recent continuous enrollment in a full academic year, starting on September 1st. Students enrolled after September 1st will begin their scholarship enrollment eligibility the following school year.
Do I have to live in the Battle Creek area to receive the scholarship benefit?
Residency is not a requirement, as long as you are enrolled at a BCPS school, have been a BCPS student since at least September 1st of 9th grade, and will be continuously enrolled at BCPS through graduation.
What exactly does the Bearcat Advantage pay for?
The Bearcat Advantage covers up to 100 percent of tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate courses at eligible four-year universities or colleges in Michigan, or at one of nearly 100 eligible Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country for eligible BCPS graduates.
Federal or state funding (like Pell Grants) are not included in Bearcat Advantage calculations, meaning that in many cases a student can use those funds in addition to Bearcat Advantage funds.
The Bearcat Advantage pays up to the student’s maximum award for each year of education until ANY ONE of the following are achieved:
145 credit hours have been awarded
Six years from the date of the student’s high school graduation is reached
A Bachelor's degree is achieved
The Bearcat Advantage can only be applied toward tuition and mandatory fees. Housing, meal plans, program-specific fees, transportation, books, and other non-tuition costs are not covered by the Bearcat Advantage.
Which schools can I use it for?
The Bearcat Advantage scholarship funds can be used for undergraduate courses at eligible four-year universities in Michigan, including select top private institutions through the Michigan Colleges Alliance partnership, or eligible Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country. Click here for a full list of eligible colleges and universities.
For students attending an eligible Michigan private school or Historically Black College or University, the scholarship amount is limited to their eligibility award for the published cost of tuition and mandatory fees for a MI resident taking the same number of credit hours in University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science & the Arts. However, thanks to a partnership with Michigan Colleges Alliance, Bearcat Advantage recipients can now have up to 100% of their tuition and mandatory fees covered at select leading private colleges and universities in Michigan. Click here to learn more.
Does the scholarship have to be used immediately following graduation?
No. Scholarship funds are available to use for six years after high school graduation. Students applying for the Bearcat Advantage after their senior year of high school should initiate the application process by emailing bearcatadvantage@battlecreekpublicschools.org at least one full semester prior to their desired enrollment date.
Will the Bearcat Advantage Scholarship cover my desire to go to a community college or trade school instead of a four-year school?
There is no single path to success, and we’re committed to providing opportunities to help ensure that every student can succeed in their careers, college, and the Battle Creek community — no matter where their path takes them. Together, the Bearcat Advantage and Legacy Scholars program provide scholarship opportunities for certifications, associate’s degrees, and bachelor's degrees.
Students interested in attending Kellogg Community College, trade school, or an apprenticeship program should complete the process for Legacy Scholars. Students interested in four-year colleges or universities should apply for the Bearcat Advantage. You can learn more about Legacy Scholars and eligibility requirements by visiting the Battle Creek Community Foundation website at battlecreekpublicschools.org/legacyscholars.
Can I use the Bearcat Advantage Scholarship if I am attending a college or university outside of Michigan?
The scholarship can only be used for colleges or universities outside of Michigan if you are attending an eligible, four-year Historically Black College or University (HBCU) that is accredited by the US Department of Education. A full list of approved schools can be found at battlecreekpublicschools.org/bearcatadvantage/eligible-colleges-and-universities.
When does the agreement between the Bearcat Advantage and Michigan Colleges Alliance begin?
Students graduating from Battle Creek Public Schools and eligible to receive the Bearcat Advantage beginning in May 2024 and beyond are included in the Michigan Colleges Alliance (MCA) agreement.
How does the Bearcat Advantage scholarship work with MCA institutions and eligible MI direct-partnership institutions?
The following table gives a sample of how a couple of hypothetical students would be funded:
