Student Experience and Transformation

Award amounts and eligibility will depend upon a student’s enrollment (full-time vs. part time), the number of eligible students, as well as FAFSA application date. For a full-time student, the maximum period a student can receive the offer is 8 semesters.  Renewal offers and amounts are not guaranteed from year to year. Applicants are required to submit a new application each academic year.  All awards are subject to available funds.  

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Admitted to UWSP graduate degree program (full-time or part-time) and pursuing their first advanced degree (first masters or first doctorate) at any institution
  • Students are ineligible if they are pursuing:  certificate or licensure only; additional doctorate or masters degree
  • Students are ineligible if they are: special students; non-degree seeking students; guest students
• Students must meet the definition of a disadvantaged graduate student. This definition includes:
• Students must meet the definition of a disadvantaged graduate student. This definition includes:
  • Demonstrates financial need through one or more of the following: student or immediate family participation in programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/cash assistance), Federal Housing Assistance, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), or Medicaid.  
  • Are first generation college students (i.e., parent(s)/guardian(s) did not receive a baccalaureate degree). 
  • Have experienced educational, economic, and/or societal disadvantages or adversity that have impacted their educational opportunities. These may include, but are not limited to, growing up in a rural or urban community; having experienced the foster care system; having an incarcerated parent; or having responsibilities for providing financial support or primary care for other household or family members. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Letter of Recommendation (preferred from a professor or applicant’s supervisor)
2. Personal Statement on how the grant will help support your future career goals (max 1 page)
3. Resume
4. Complete the NEW 2026-2027 AOP online application

*Recommendation: Complete items 1-3 before you begin the online application, as you will be asked to upload these 3 documents into the online application.*

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

• Regular Deadline: Aug. 9, 2026 (Award Notification by Aug. 31, 2026)
• Late Deadline: Aug. 31, 2026 (Award Notification by Sept. 30, 2026-Subject to available funds)

AWARD DISBURSMENT:

AOP award will be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid and Veteran Services. The award disbursement will go to your student account.