How do I know if I’m eligible for the Bearcat Advantage?
This year’s graduating seniors should each receive an email 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 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.
The Bearcat Advantage funding is meant to be used after scholarships that students receive directly from schools. For example, if a student who has been at BCPS since kindergarten received a scholarship from their college that covers 30% of their tuition, the Bearcat Advantage will be applied to the remaining 70%. Federal or state funding (like Pell Grants) are not included in Bearcat Advantage calculations, meaning 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. Room and board fees are not covered by the Bearcat Advantage.
What schools can I use it for?
The Bearcat Advantage scholarship funds can be used for undergraduate courses at accredited public or private four-year universities or colleges in Michigan or at a nationally recognized four-year HBCU that is accredited by the US Department of Education. Click here for a full list of eligible HBCUs.
For students attending private schools within Michigan or eligible HBCUs, scholarship amounts are calculated using the cost of attendance at the University of Michigan (the state’s highest-priced public institution) as the maximum award amount for the same number of credits.
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 here.
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. Please see here to access the approved list for the Bearcat Advantage.
Are there requirements that must be met to maintain eligibility throughout college or university?
Students must be making regular progress toward a four-year degree as defined by Satisfactory Academic Standards of the school, maintain a 2.0 GPA at the post-secondary institution, and maintain a full-time student status, which is typically 12 credit hours or more per semester.
How is the Bearcat Advantage funded?
The Bearcat Advantage is being established with the support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF). WKKF is a longtime partner to BCPS and has supported us throughout our district transformation following their historic grant in 2017.
What do I do if I’m not eligible for the Bearcat Advantage?
There are several funding opportunities available to BCPS graduates, including Legacy Scholars, SEED Awards, the GVSU Health and Teacher Pipeline Scholarships, and many other scholarships through the BCPS Education Foundation and Battle Creek Community Foundation. You can find a full list of other scholarship opportunities here.
Is there an appeal process?
Appeals are available only for exceptional circumstances. All appeals must start by contacting bearcatadvantage@battlecreekpublicschools.org.
