Back To School: Support Hilltoppers' Return to Class

As a new class begins and returning students continue their journey in a uniquely challenging time, let’s show these students the entire Hilltopper Family is here to support them as they follow their dreams.  

Upholding WKU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion while continuing the spirit of providing access and opportunity to WKU students, the WKU Opportunity Fund is a focused fundraising campaign to remove barriers to education through needs-based financial assistance to support recruitment, retention and experiences beyond the classroom.

• There is a shortfall in renewable resources available for scholarships.
• First-generation undergraduate college students represent 33% of our population.
• Full-time undergraduate students receiving financial assistance represent 63% of our population.
• Emergency situations arise that can prevent a student from persisting to graduation.

Making a gift to support current and future WKU students is a great way to pay it forward to others pursuing their educational dreams.  

Three areas to consider:

• The WKU Opportunity Fund – In addition to scholarship support, the Opportunity Fund can provide needs-based awards to WKU students for unexpected financial needs including housing and meal assistance, loss of income, technology needs to complete alternative course delivery and other expenses as deemed appropriate. Each individual situation is reviewed and prioritized based on available funding.
• ISEC – The Cynthia and George Nichols III Intercultural Student Engagement Center (ISEC) is a hands-on recruitment and retention resource for the many cultural, religious/spiritual and identity groups reflected within the WKU community.
• The Toppers Assist Scholarship Fund – This newly established scholarship fund was created by four former WKU Basketball players to benefit a diverse incoming freshman from Bowling Green/Warren County, Ky.

Support for initiatives like the Toppers Assist Scholarship and ISEC are considered part of the wider WKU Opportunity Fund fundraising campaign.      

WKU is more than a place of higher learning. More than a place to work. More than a piece of a community. We are a family, and we are one WKU. We must continue to live, learn and grow as one to promote change in our global society. Join in to celebrate the WKU Family!