Returning Citizen Fellowship (RCF) Application*

Returning Citizen Fellowship (RCF) Application* - 2023-24

The Returning Citizen Fellows program (RCF) is a cohort structured student success and persistence program for individuals who were formerly incarcerated in and/or with A Brighter Way (ABW) the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). As a program, the RCF’s primary intention is to provide Fellows a support system within EMU and external to EMU as a way to help navigate both the complexities of higher education as well as the challenges to reentry, post-incarceration. The Fellows program is designed in tandem with ABW and MDOC 's Offender Success Model.
*Please note this application is not an admissions application to Eastern Michigan University. You will still need to fill out an application to EMU as well. Every RCF application will need to fill out an EMU application, FAFSA and Returning Citizen Fellows application. This application is just your first step to getting accepted into EMU.

Please contact emu_engage@emich.edu if you have any questions while filling out this form. Thank you for applying; we are excited to meet you!
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email (If you do not have an email address, please write No Email Address in the box)*
example@example.com
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Please answer the below questions in order for the RCF review committee (made up of returning citizens, non-profit leaders, University staff and MDOC Offender Success staff) a comprehensive understanding of you and your educational goals.
How did you hear about the RCF Program?*
How long were you incarcerated?*

Under a year2 to 4 years5 to 10 yearsOver 10 yearsPrefer Not to Answer at this time
How long (months, years,) since your release? *
Have you taken college course work and/or participated in any college programs (check all that apply)*

Yes, pre-incarcerationYes, while incarceratedYes, post-incarcerationNo, none of the above
Are you interested in attending college in the next semester?*

Part-TimeFull-TimeNot sure
Are you Pell eligible?*

YesNoNot sure
Have you completed your 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid** (FAFSA)?*

YesNo, I can fill this out myself*No, I need help to fill it out*
*If you have not filled out your FAFSA and would like to fill it out yourself, please go to to studentaid.gov and fill it out as soon as possible. Also, make sure to add Eastern Michigan University's federal school code 002259 to your FAFSA Application!

*If you have not filled out a FAFSA and would like help, please indicate here and one of the RCF Fellow Program Assistants will help you.
The two biggest barriers for me to access a college education right now are:*

College Navigation Support (scheduling, financial aid, etc.)Academic Support (tutoring, technical training,etc.)HousingEmploymentTransportationMentoringCounselingOther
If you chose Other for the question above, explain here:
We want to better understand your want in pursuing college/post-secondary degree. Share with us in the box below, why you -at this time-want to pursue attend/pursue college? Basically, why now?
Is there anything you are hoping to learn/study at EMU? Skill? Competency? Subject? Discipline? Practice?
Anything else we should know right now?
Signature

Clear
Should be Empty:

Returning Citizen Fellowship (RCF) Application* - 2023-24