Bronco Bound Guarantee Launches to Make Kalamazoo Valley to WMU Transfers Easier

Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College announced a new guaranteed admissions program designed to make the transfer process smoother for KVCC students.

The Bronco Bound Guarantee provides automatic admission to Western Michigan University beginning this fall for Kalamazoo Valley students who complete an associate degree and meet academic and conduct requirements. Students will also be automatically considered for WMU scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000.

The partnership was unveiled at the WMU Football Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 25 at the Seelye Athletic Center. University officials, students and local elected officials gathered for a formal signing ceremony before a football game.

In addition to guaranteed admission, all Kalamazoo Valley students will gain early exposure to campus life through complimentary admission to most Bronco athletic events. This gives students experiencing the energy and traditions of the University community before they transfer.

Current KVCC students tested their skills in a football Tuition Toss Challenge at Waldo Stadium. Three students participated in the launch: Brody Bender secured $500 toward his tuition with a strong second throw. James Johnson and Sa-Niqua Langford each went two-for-two in the challenge, earning $1,000 toward their tuition.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D. said the partnership builds on the strong collaborative relationship that already exists between the institutions. He added that the initiative makes the transfer process more certain and seamless, encouraging more Cougars to continue their education at WMU.

WMU President Russ Kavalhuna called the partnership an expansion of KVCCs existing Bronco Bound initiative, which helps acclimate and integrate Valley students who are transferring to WMU. He noted that transitioning to a new college can feel overwhelming, and the initiative eases that uncertainty by creating a clear pathway to the next step in education.

The program eliminates barriers by providing a direct path from associate-level degree to a baccalaureate degree. It includes a no-cost application and guaranteed financial aid.

Sa-Niqua Langford, a KVCC graduate who will begin taking WMU classes this summer, shared her experience as a Kalamazoo native. She said that Western Michigan University has always felt like home. She noted that her experience at Kalamazoo Valley challenged and supported her growth into a more responsible student, preparing her for success at Western. She chose to continue her education there because she wants to pour into the Kalamazoo community just as much as it has poured into her.