The First Generation Program, provided by the Office of Multicultural Academic and Support Services, recently awarded 33 UCF students with the 2010-2011 MASS First Generation College Student Scholarship. Throughout the academic year, these students dedicated themselves to completing all the requirements necessary to become scholars. Awarded scholars achieved an average GPA of 3.5 and represented a variety of majors, including molecular and micro biology, engineering, and business, among others.
“The scholarship requirements are developed to help participants become aware of key resources, develop skills and tools, and meet UCF and community individuals that will support their success,” said Natalia Leal, First Generation Program coordinator.
Scholarship recipient Sophia Afriani shared her experience, “The First Generation Program has been there as a helping hand, revealing aspects of the university that may have never been discovered otherwise. This program has acted like a guiding friend offering opportunities for leadership and success.”
The program also seeks to create a community for its participants where they can find guidance and support. Bonnie Santos, rising senior in the Visual Arts and Emerging Media Management program, said it best: “The most important lesson of all I have learned through the First Generation Program: I am not alone.”
MASS is an office in the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services. The First Generation College Student Scholarship is generously sponsored by Target.