Univision Foundation announces new scholarship aimed at helping FIU’s first-generation students cross the finish line

As FIU joins thousands of colleges and universities across the nation this week in celebrating students who are among the first generation in their families to pursue bachelor’s degrees, Univision Foundation announced a new scholarship to bolster first-gen students as they work to finish their academic journey.

Set to launch at FIU’s National First-Generation College Celebration Day pep rally on Nov. 8, the Univision First-Generation Scholarship aims to ensure that financial difficulties do not inhibit a student’s potential to complete their studies and graduate on time.

Across the nation, more than 40.4 million people have completed some college but not earned a degree. A recent study conducted by Ipsos found that one-quarter of college students are at risk of stopping out or being dismissed from their institution – with their primary concern being cost of tuition. Among these students, those who are first-generation were more likely than their continuing-generation peers to consider leaving their program or were at risk of dismissal.

In addition to receiving financial support, Univision Scholars will be paired with a corporate mentor from TelevisaUnivision whose goal will be to equip them with the necessary tools to thrive after graduation.

“Univision Scholars is all about helping students succeed,” said Irisaida Mendez, Executive Director of Univision Foundation, emphasizing the program's commitment to both academic and professional development. “It breaks generational cycles and gives new generations the support they need to finish their degrees.”

Teri Arvesu, senior vice president of Social Impact and Sustainability at TelevisaUnivision, expressed her enthusiasm: “As an FIU alum, I am proud to see that, with guidance from one of the most trusted brands among Hispanics in the U.S., Miami students can look forward to a brighter future.”

Applications for the Univision First-Generation Scholarship are currently open. Students may view the full criteria and apply by logging into Academic Works using their FIU credentials.

“Thanks to the generous philanthropic support of community partners like Univision Foundation, whose impact is tripled by a two-to-one matching program provided by the state of Florida, FIU can provide our trailblazing first-generation students the resources they need as they endeavor to cross the commencement stage,” said Phillip Lloyd Hamilton, Assistant Vice President for FIU Student Belonging & Support, which oversees First-Generation Initiatives.

Univision Foundation scholarship is one of a host of opportunities available to the nearly 15,000 FIU students who are among the first in their families to pursue bachelor’s degrees. In fact, for its holistic, university-wide first-gen initiatives, FIU is recognized as a standout among the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)’s First-Gen Forward Network, a nationwide compendium of colleges and universities dedicated to this work.

In addition to scholarships, FIU’s first-generation college students have access to personalized success coaching and wraparound support to help them excel in their coursework, including dedicated academic and student development services offered by the Office of Student Access and Success. They can also explore federally funded TRIO programs – which are designed to uplift first-generation students as well as those from other socially, culturally and economically diverse backgrounds – such as Student Support Services and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program.

Every year, FIU also hosts a week-long celebration honoring the achievements of first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff. The goal is to help students learn about the services available to them as well as to connect with peers and potential mentors among their first-generation alumni, faculty and staff counterparts. Festivities this year included resource fairs, personal and professional development workshops, and networking receptions, culminating in a pep rally in Chapman Plaza on Friday.

Learn more about the opportunities and resources available by visiting the FIU First-Generation Initiatives website.