Kessler Scholars Program
About
The Kessler Scholars Program at the University of California Riverside provides four years of support to students who are the first in their family to attend college. The goal is to help students achieve college success through holistic support services via a cohort-based model. This program is in the Division of Undergraduate Education.
National Collaboration
The Kessler Scholars Program at University of California, Riverside is part of the national Kessler Scholars Collaborative along with 15 other institutions. Together, these schools are rethinking how to support first-generation college students as they navigate higher education. Students who join the Kessler Scholars Program are part of a powerful network of first-generation leaders, connected across multiple institutions throughout their undergraduate college experience and beyond.
Founded at the University of Michigan by the Judy and Fred Wilpon Family Foundation, the Kessler Scholars Program has established a leading support model for first-generation students. The program is distinct in that it provides comprehensive support through wrap-around, multi-tiered services to ensure students’ success from admissions through graduation.
24-25 Application
Our second cohort application for Kessler Scholars at UCR is open now and has been extended until April 28th!
Must be incoming first year student to UCR for Fall 2024-25 who also identifies as a first gen college student.
Deadline for all applications is midnight on Sunday April 28th.
What current Kessler Scholars are saying…
Program Offerings
- Financial support
- Academic coaching
- Personalized mentoring
- Engaging workshops
- Community building
- Social engagements
- Career guidance
- Leadership development
Requirements & Eligibility
Kessler Scholars must be full-time, first-time freshmen enrolled students at University of California Riverside who identify as first-generation college students and demonstrate a financial need.
While in the Kessler Scholars Program students are required to:
- Meet twice per quarter individually with Program Coordinator
- Participate in peer mentoring
- Attend 2 group workshops or activities per quarter
- Participate in high impact programs and community service