Fostering First-Generation Student Success

Being the first in your family to pursue a four-year college degree is a point of pride…

It can also be extremely challenging for even the brightest, most resilient students. We provide transformative support to first-generation students across the undergraduate journey and beyond.

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Cohort-based

Students enter college with a built-in community of support as part of a cohort that attends classes, workshops, and events together to foster a strong sense of belonging

High-touch

Frequent interactions with dedicated Kessler Scholars staff and peer mentoring provide students with the support they need to thrive on campus

Asset-focused

A program model that build on the strengths first-generation students bring to campus helps scholars achieve their goals and elevate their voices within the broader campus community

Our Values

Our Impact

First-gen scholars served in 2023-2024

Campus partners

%

First-year retention rate

%

Of scholars say their experience is good or excellent

“The community is really what makes the Kessler Scholars Program so amazing. I personally don’t think I would’ve found that community and that family-like atmosphere if it wasn’t for the program…and it helped to motivate me to keep going.”

QUEENS COLLEGE KESSLER SCHOLAR

“I’m really, really proud to be a first-gen student. And I think most of us in Kessler are. I think the Kessler Scholars Program has definitely shown us how to be proud if we weren’t already proud of it.”

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN KESSLER SCHOLAR

“The Kessler Scholars Program has been there for me along my entire journey through college, giving me limitless opportunities and support to reach the goals I set for myself and being there to inspire my own passions for mentorship and leadership.”

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN KESSLER SCHOLAR