PROGRAM OVERVIEW: PROGRAM MODEL

First Scholars is about student success. It is about dramatically increasing the graduation rates of first-generation college students. That’s why we’ve developed a replicable model that is being used at schools around the country.

Here’s how it works.

FOR STUDENTS

• Students apply to a participating university. Once accepted, they take the Student Strengths Inventory™ (SSI), an assessment that measures many characteristics, including a student’s study skills, ability to join groups, commitment to education, and willingness to accept help. The university selection committee will use these test results to choose students most likely to benefit from and embrace the First Scholars program.
• When admitted, students become part of a group who will take at least one class together, participate in social activities, and volunteer together. As upperclassmen, they are expected to “pay it forward” by mentoring other First Scholars.
• Individually, students work with the First Scholars program director to create a personalized strategic plan based on the SSI. It includes four areas: academic assistance; social integration; personal development; and financial support.

FOR UNIVERSITIES

• First Scholars operates much as a business franchise does. After joining the network, affiliate universities receive materials describing how to establish the program and effectively support their First Scholars. In addition, affiliate universities receive start-up funds. Affiliate universities are selected through an RFP process.
• In turn, each university affiliate will provide the hands-on operation and administration of its own site, contributing additional resources. The university will eventually assume full funding of the program.
• Each university program will have the same components, allowing for some adjustments in service delivery. This flexible consistency allows each university to tailor the program to meet its campus culture, while preserving the core components that will provide the metrics and evidence base to grow the program nationally.