LEAD Scholars Program Leadership Excellence and Academic Development Erin Kimura-Walsh, Assistant Director
Purpose The LEAD Scholars Program: Fosters college success of first generation college students (those whose parents have not attended college) Challenges participants academically while exposing them to university culture and community
Timeline Established as “Bridge Program” in 2002 with James Irvine Foundation grant 30 students in the first Bridge Program Housed in Drahmann Center Transformed into the LEAD Scholars Program 2007 LEAD = Leadership Excellence and Academic Development Housed in Office of Honors and Fellowships
Selection Process 60 first generation college students each year –Financial need (FAFSA) –Receiving need-based and merit-based aid –Not participating in other University honors programs –Distributed across demographic groups Gender Race Geography Majors Academic performance
Participants by Race and Gender
Program Components Summer before first year –Orientation Sessions 2 & 3 –LEAD Week First year –LEAD CTW 1 & 2 LEAD Research Symposium –LEAD Seminars LEAD 1, fall: Transition and Resources LEAD 2, winter: Leadership Exploration LEAD 10, spring: Optional ELSJ course, Creating College Going Communities All four years –Academic and professional development opportunities
LEAD Week Activities CTW 1 and LEAD Week elective in Engineering, Chemistry, Business, or Humanities/Social Sciences Small mentoring groups and large group community building
LEAD Research Symposium
Persistence Rates First to second year persistence (class of 2011 & 2012) –LEAD Scholars: 96% –Comparison Group: 90% Second to third year persistence (class of 2011) –LEAD Scholars: 93% –Comparison Group: 79%
Future Developments Increasing stability and continuity Development of programming for 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th year students –Research seminar for juniors and seniors Use of research to improve programming Alumni outreach –Alumni network and panels 10th anniversary celebration ( )