Application Procedures
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2013 - 2014 academic year.
Applicants will be notified of their status no later than April 1, 2013. The First Scholars Program is available to 20 first-time freshmen that are first-generation college students (parents have earned no more than two years of education beyond high school and no post-secondary degree) who enroll at the University of Kentucky full-time during the 2013-2014 academic year.
First Scholars is a holistic program for incoming freshmen whose parents have completed two years or less of college. Scholars will be selected based on an assessment of their potential for academic success, considering non-cognitive indicators. For each First Scholar, an individualized plan for enhancing student success will be created. Scholars and their scholarship coordinator will monitor progress and update the plan to ensure that First Scholars are engaged in appropriate activities to maximize their progress toward graduation.
A cornerstone of the program's future success is its Pay-It-Forward model. First Scholars will give back through mentoring and tutoring younger Scholars, and by volunteering in campus and community organizations.
Requirements
The recipient must be a first generation student according to the Suder Foundation definition which means neither parents can have completed two years or more of college AND:
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Has met all admissions requirements and is accepted to the university as a first time, full-time undergraduate;
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Is either a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen as defined and permitted under federal law;
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Has demonstrated financial need;
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Has demonstrated academic ability as evidenced by a minimum grade point average of 3.3 and ACT score of 22;
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Is eligible for in state student tuition;
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Intends to live on campus or in university-related or student-type housing near campus outside of the family home;
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Has completed and submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
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Has completed the First Scholars application and assessment process and demonstrates characteristics compatible with successfully completing the TSF Program as determined by the assessment tool results;
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Agrees to participate in the program including developing and implementing a Personal Strategic Plan, including academic, social and other participatory requirements.
Scholars will participate in the First Generation Living Learning Community composed of UK 101: Academic Orientation in the fall and UK 110: Career Exploration in the spring, must maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative UK GPA and participate in First Scholar Program activities such as peer mentoring, tutoring, community service, and program workshops.
More Information
For more information, please contact Martina Martin at (859) 257-3532 or martina.martin@uky.edu.
