Wells Mountain Initiative Scholars Program for Undergraduates 2026

The 2026 Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholars Program is open to students from developing countries. WMI is a public charitable foundation headquartered in Bristol, Vermont, USA, and is officially recognized by the United States Internal Revenue Service.

The scholarship is typically awarded for the entire duration of the recipient’s academic program. However, continued support is subject to maintaining strong academic performance, active participation in community service, and timely submission of required documents, including official academic transcripts and semester reports, in line with WMI guidelines.

Benefits of the Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholars Program for Undergraduates

Each year, Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) awards scholarships to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree at a university within their home country or region. The financial support may cover:

• University tuition and associated fees
• Books and essential academic materials
• Accommodation and meals
• Transportation expenses

Eligibility Criteria for the Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Undergraduate Scholars Program

WMI seeks outstanding, community-minded students who face significant financial challenges in accessing university education. An ideal WMI Scholar is someone who:

• Is 35 years old or younger as of August 1, 2026
• Intends to study in their home country, or within their home region if local programs are unavailable
• Has completed secondary school or is in their final year, with strong academic performance
• Is applying to a university or is currently enrolled in their first undergraduate degree or diploma program
• Plans to live and work in their home country or region after graduation
• Has prior volunteer experience and is committed to completing 100 hours of community service annually throughout their studies
• Has limited financial resources and cannot afford university education without additional support
• Understands that the WMI Scholarship is a partial award and does not cover all tuition or living expenses
• Is a first-generation university student (preferred but not mandatory)

Additional Information

• Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the WMI Scholars Program Information Flyer, WMI Scholars Application Frequently Asked Questions, and the WMI Scholars Recommendation Letter Guidelines available on our website. These resources are designed to help you submit a complete, accurate, and competitive application.
• All applications must be submitted through the official online application portal no later than March 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST each year. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• WMI Scholars are selected through a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process. Successful applicants will be notified via email on August 1, and the list of selected scholars will also be published on the WMI website homepage and official Facebook page. Applicants who are not selected will likewise receive notification after August 1.
• Please ensure that your application responses are not written entirely in capital letters.
• Applicants intending to study in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, or Western Europe are not eligible for the WMI Scholarship.
• Applications or supporting documents submitted via email will not be accepted. All required materials must be uploaded directly to the online application portal.
• Additionally, family members of WMI team members and current WMI Scholars are not eligible to apply.

Selection Process

WMI Scholarships are generally awarded for the full duration of the approved degree program. To remain eligible each year, scholars are required to:

• Maintain above-average academic performance
• Complete 100 hours of community service annually
• Submit bi-annual academic and community service reports within the stipulated deadlines

Academic reports must include:

• Official semester grade results
• A current bursary or tuition fee statement
• The current academic calendar
• A completed Scholar Expense Tracker, including receipts showing how WMI funds were utilized

Community service reports must include:

• A summary of community service activities undertaken
• Photographic evidence documenting the activities

Application Documents

Please ensure the following documents are prepared before starting your application:

School Documents

• Secondary school transcripts (covering all secondary schools attended)
• National examination results (where applicable)
• University transcripts (for applicants currently enrolled or previously enrolled in a tertiary institution)
• University fee structure (available on the institution’s website if admission has not yet been granted)

Personal Statements (Short Essays)

Applicants are required to submit two short essays, each not exceeding 500 words.

A. Personal Background Essay (350–500 words)
Describe your background and the experiences that have shaped your life. You may reference your family, community, education, challenges, or opportunities that influenced your journey.

In your response, address the following:

• The circumstances that motivated you to apply for the WMI Scholarship
• Why you consider yourself a strong candidate, including relevant values, qualities, or achievements
• How the scholarship will support your long-term academic and career goals

B. Field of Study Essay (Maximum 500 words)
Explain what inspired you to pursue your chosen field of study, including experiences, interests, or role models that influenced your decision.

Please also discuss:

• Why this field aligns with your strengths, talents, or passions
• How your degree will enable you to contribute to your community, country, or region
• The impact you hope to make in the future

Applicants are encouraged to be specific and clearly demonstrate how their field of study connects to their long-term aspirations.

Essay Question (500 words maximum)

Essay Prompt:
This essay provides an opportunity to share your perspective on a challenge affecting you or your community. (Note: This is a hypothetical scenario and not a request for funding.)

In 500 words or less, respond to the following:
If you were given $1,000 to address a challenge in your community, which issue would you focus on and why?

Your response should briefly outline:

• The root cause of the issue and why it continues to exist
• Why the issue is personally significant to you
• How your field of study relates to the issue or your proposed approach
• How you would use the $1,000 to begin addressing the challenge (a simple, practical plan)
• How success would be measured, including 2–3 realistic indicators

This essay assesses your ability to analyze a problem, think creatively, and propose a feasible and impactful solution.

Important Notice

All submitted work must be entirely your own. If you reference external ideas or sources, they must be properly cited. Failure to do so will result in plagiarism.

The use of AI-generated text or AI-assisted outlines is strictly prohibited. Submissions will be screened for plagiarism and AI-generated content. Any applicant found to have violated this policy will be deemed ineligible for the scholarship.

Recommenders

Applicants must provide:

• The names and valid email addresses of two individuals who will submit recommendation letters on their behalf

Please refer to the Recommendation Guidelines for further details: https://kaleidoscope.my.salesforce.com

Identification and Photo

You are required to upload:

• A recent headshot photograph
• A national ID or another valid official photo identification

How to Apply

Interested and eligible should visit: Wells Mountain Initiative on apply.mykaleidoscope.com to apply

For questions and inquiries kindly send an email to: info@wellsmountaininitiative.org.

For more information, Kindly visit Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship webpage 

Application deadline

1st March 2026