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.

First Gen Resource Guide

College Academic Advising Offices

Academic Calendar

Staff & Contact

^{For any questions about this program please feel free to contact the Program Coordinator}

What current Kessler Scholars are saying…

Vanessa Makhlouf

Computer Science

What have you enjoyed about being a part Kessler Scholars at UCR?

Being able to build relationships with people from a variety of backgrounds and expanding my overall knowledge of the world is always something that brings me joy and that’s exactly what Kessler Scholars is meant for. The fun outings definitely add to the experience as well!

What has being a first gen college student meant to you?

It means breaking stereotypes surrounding immigrants and women. It means learning a new way of life, improving my future, and making my family proud. It means making memories that will last a life time and being able to guide my children through it all one day.

Josiah Saavedra-Flores

Bioengineering

What have you enjoyed about being a part Kessler Scholars at UCR?

I have enjoyed the opportunity to connect with over first generation students as well as being able to be apart of community within such a big campus.

Any advice to incoming first gen students?

I would recommend incoming first gen students to get out of their comfort zones and explore all that college has to offer.

Allen Villagomez

Biology

What have you enjoyed about being a part Kessler Scholars at UCR?

The connections that I have made are the most valuable part of Kessler Scholars.

What has being a first gen college student meant to you?

Being a first gen student means I am setting the standard for my family, I am exploring new territory.

Diego De La Cruz

Education & Liberal Studies

What has being a first gen college student meant to you?

Journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. Growing up, the concept of higher education was unfamiliar territory in my family. I navigated the complexities of the college application process with little guidance, often feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about my future. Financial constraints loomed large, casting doubts on whether pursuing a college education was even feasible.

Despite these hurdles, being a first-generation college student has instilled in me a profound sense of resilience and determination. Every obstacle I encountered served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by my family and the dreams they entrusted to me. Their unwavering support became my beacon of hope, propelling me forward in pursuit of my academic aspirations.

Any advice to incoming first gen students?

Embrace your journey with courage and resilience. You belong here, and your unique experiences and perspective are invaluable. Seek support when needed, believe in yourself, and never underestimate your potential to achieve greatness. Your journey may be challenging, but remember, every obstacle you overcome is a testament to your strength and determination. Dream big, work hard, and never lose sight of the incredible opportunities that lie ahead. You have the power to shape your future and inspire those who come after you. Welcome to a journey of endless possibilities.

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