Introduction
The Kessler Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis is part of the national Kessler Scholars Collaborative , along with 15 other institutions. Together, these schools are transforming the undergraduate experience for first-generation college students. 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 providing comprehensive support through wrap-around, multi-tiered services to ensure students’ success from admissions through graduation.
The WashU program provides Kessler Scholars with the resources below. These include (but are not limited to):
| Peer Mentorship | |
| Academic Workshops | |
| Career Development | |
| Specialized Advising | |
| Social Gatherings | |
| Networking | |
| Scholarship |
Financial assistance
Financial assistance provided to the Kessler Scholars includes:
| “No-loan” financial aid policy for admitted undergraduate students beginning in fall 2024 | |
| Waived $1,550 summer earnings expectation (most financial aid packages include an expectation that the student will contribute $1,550 of their summer earnings toward the cost of education. This expectation is waived for Kessler Scholars) | |
| $1,500 in start-up grant funds to aid in the transition to college and to help cover expenses associated with necessary school items | |
| A first-year technology grant that will cover the cost of a laptop computer purchased through the campus bookstore | |
| Full funding to participate in a pre-orientation program | |
| Up to two $5,000 grants to support summer research, internships, or study abroad experiences after the completion of the first year | |
| Unique access to advising support, career development programming, and close association with the Gephardt Center for Community Engagement |
Eligibility
To participate in the Kessler Scholars program, invited students must:
| Be a first-generation college student | |
| Be considered low (limited) income | |
| Demonstrate that they want to improve society by using their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees. |