Why Should I Participate?

The program includes workshops and site visits to help you:

• Explore a wide variety of occupations and careers
• Foster development of critical career readiness competencies expected by employers
• Cultivate a professional network of mentors and advocates
• Create tools to confidently communicate their knowledge and skills
• Identify affirming work environments
• Compete for vital professional experiences
• Negotiate initial offers to secure salary and benefits

You will receive $1000 scholarship to participate! The hope is that this scholarship will mitigate the financial burden of your participation.

Am I Eligible?

To qualify for this program, you must:

• Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student
• Be a 2^nd year or sophomore student
• Be a first-generation college student- your parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, regardless of other family member’s level of education.
• Must be a member of a group historically underrepresented in education- typically includes African Americans, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Latinx, Pacific Islander, etc.

Class Schedule and Time Commitment

• FOCUS Scholars must attend a weekly in-person class session every Thursday from 3:30-5:00 pm. The first session will be on Thursday, February 13, 2025, and the last session will be on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
• FOCUS Scholars must plan on committing up to 3 hours per week on in-class workshops and assignments designed to support their career development.