In a nationwide celebration of first-generation college students, Florida International University (FIU) joined colleges and universities across the U.S. this week to honor students who are the first in their families to pursue bachelor’s degrees. At the forefront of this celebration, Univision Foundation unveiled a new scholarship specifically designed to support these pioneering students. Named the Univision First-Generation Scholarship, this program will help ease the financial challenges that first-generation students often face, aiming to ensure they can complete their academic programs without financial setbacks.
The Univision First-Generation Scholarship will officially launch at FIU’s National First-Generation College Celebration Day, with a pep rally event on November 8. The scholarship is poised to make a significant impact by alleviating financial pressures on students, ultimately helping them focus on their academic achievements and graduate on time. For many first-generation students, covering tuition costs remains a top concern, as highlighted by a recent Ipsos study, which found that a quarter of college students are at risk of dropping out or being dismissed primarily due to financial difficulties. This challenge is especially pronounced for first-generation students, who are more likely than their peers to consider discontinuing their studies.
Scholarship and Mentorship Program by Univision Foundation
Aside from financial aid, recipients of the Univision First-Generation Scholarship, known as Univision Scholars, will benefit from mentorship from professionals within TelevisaUnivision. Each student will be paired with a corporate mentor, with the intent of equipping them with tools and guidance essential for thriving beyond graduation. This mentorship aspect is a core element of the program, reflecting the Univision Foundation’s commitment to not just academic success but also to preparing students for professional growth.
Irisaida Mendez, Executive Director of Univision Foundation, expressed her dedication to supporting first-generation students through this initiative. “Univision Scholars is all about helping students succeed,” Mendez stated. She further emphasized that the scholarship program is designed to break generational cycles and offer new support systems for first-generation students. This initiative provides these students with the resources needed to complete their degrees and excel in their post-college careers.
TelevisaUnivision’s Teri Arvesu, Senior Vice President of Social Impact and Sustainability, echoed this sentiment. Arvesu, an FIU alum herself, shared her pride in seeing FIU students benefit from the program, saying, “As an FIU alum, I am proud to see that, with guidance from one of the most trusted brands among Hispanics in the U.S., Miami students can look forward to a brighter future.”
FIU’s Continued Commitment to First-Generation Students
The Univision Foundation’s scholarship is a valuable addition to the resources available to the nearly 15,000 FIU students who are among the first in their families to attend college. Phillip Lloyd Hamilton, FIU’s Assistant Vice President for Student Belonging & Support, emphasized the university’s commitment to first-generation students, sharing that the Univision Foundation’s support is amplified through Florida’s two-to-one matching program. This combination of support from the community and the state allows FIU to continue assisting students who face unique challenges in their academic journeys.
FIU’s dedication to first-generation student support is recognized nationally. The university has been commended by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) through the First-Gen Forward Network, a collective of institutions known for their efforts in supporting first-generation students. Through this network, FIU stands out for its comprehensive, university-wide initiatives aimed at helping first-gen students succeed.
Additional Resources and Support for First-Generation Students
Beyond scholarships, FIU provides an extensive array of services for first-generation students to aid in their success. The Office of Student Access and Success offers personalized coaching and academic support, helping students stay on track with their coursework. Students can also access federally funded TRIO programs, which provide additional resources for first-generation, economically disadvantaged, and culturally diverse students. These include Student Support Services and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, both tailored to help students overcome educational and socio-economic challenges.
Celebrating First-Generation Achievements at FIU
FIU hosts a week-long celebration each year to recognize the achievements of first-generation students, faculty, and alumni. The annual event features resource fairs, personal and professional development workshops, and networking opportunities. This year’s celebration, which will conclude with a pep rally in Chapman Plaza, highlights the accomplishments of these students and helps build connections among first-generation students, mentors, and FIU staff. The event reinforces FIU’s commitment to creating a supportive community for first-generation students, who can benefit from shared experiences and a robust network as they pursue their academic and professional goals.
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