Students invited to apply for OU’s Keeper of the Dream Scholarship

Applications are being accepted for Oakland University’s 2026 Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards.       

$5,000-$10,000 scholarships are available to students who have demonstrated strong citizenship, scholarship and leadership in breaking down cultural stereotypes and promoting interracial understanding. The awards are presented at OU’s Keeper of the Dream Celebration, held each January on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Established in 1993, the Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards pay tribute to Dr. King’s legacy, commemorating his contributions to the advancement of civil rights. The awards recognize student leaders who embody Dr. King’s vision through advocacy and service on OU’s campus and beyond.

Thanks to generous support from sponsors, more than 150 students have been awarded Keeper of the Dream Scholarships. One of those students is Fatoumata Samb, a public heath major whose leadership on campus includes serving as vice president of OU’s African Student Union, a peer mentor in the Center for Multicultural Initiatives and an orientation group leader for Orientation and New Student Programs. 

"As a Keeper of the Dream recipient myself, I strongly encourage fellow Golden Grizzlies to apply,” she said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy while using your voice and leadership to make a real impact here at OU!” 

Keeper of the Dream Scholarship applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

• Current cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Demonstrated campus involvement
• Record of responsible citizenship
• Enrollment at Oakland University in a minimum of 12 credits each term for fall 2026 and winter 2027 semesters

Along with the application, students must submit a resume, personal essay and three letters of recommendation from OU faculty and staff. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10 and are available online at oakland.edu/cmi/KOD.

The Event Sponsor for the 2026 Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards Celebration is Oakland University Credit Union.

For additional information, contact the Center for Multicultural Initiatives at cmi@oakland.edu or (248) 370-4404.