Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP)

The Advance Opportunity Program (AOP) Fellowship is provided by the State of Wisconsin and intended to provide financial support for disadvantaged graduate students allowing them to focus attention on their graduate studies and to complete their degrees in a timely fashion.

There are several ways to qualify:

  1. You have financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  2. You are from a family that received any type of public assistance, including eligibility for school lunch program.
  3. You are a first-generation college student.
  4. You participated in TRIO pre-college or undergraduate programs for students, such as Upward Bound, Talen Search, Student Support Services, McNair, etc.
  5. You have not had the expectation and encouragement to pursue post-graduate education as a viable option.

You must also fill out a 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), enroll in at least three credits per semester, and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Award
Varies
Scopes
Graduate Scholarships
Deadline
07/18/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. I have completed and submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-2027 Academic Year.
  2. Will your employer provide you with tuition reimbursement? If yes, what percent will they pay?
  3. Please describe your career goals and how the AOP grant will help you achieve these goals.
  4. Please answer the following questions.
    • Did either of your parent(s) attend college? If "yes", did they graduate with a degree from a four-year college or university?
    • Have you ever participated in a program for disadvantaged students such as Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services at a college or university, McNair?
    • Have you or members of your immediate family received any type of public assistance, such as food stamps, subsidized public housing, free school lunches, or similar public assistance programs? If “yes”, please identify the specific program(s) or form(s) of assistance. If “yes”, please identify the specific program(s) or form(s) of assistance.