Thank you for your interest in The Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program.

Our application process is closed now, and we are no longer accepting new applications.

Please visit the Financial Aid office to learn about other scholarship opportunities for First-Generation students.

Our next recruitment cycle will open in Fall 2026 for the 2027-2028 academic year.

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

Enabling qualified Florida high school graduates to attend Florida Atlantic and graduate debt-free.

Our Story

The Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program provides academically talented first-generation, low-income students with financial resources, academic support, and mentorship to provide students with an opportunity to graduate debt-free from Florida Atlantic University in four years or less. The program was established with an initial investment of $1 million by philanthropists and higher-education advocates Aubrey and Sally Strul, in partnership with Florida Atlantic University President Emeritus John Kelly, Ph.D., and Carolyn Kelly. Their vision is to provide the financial support and reference markers required to guide first-generation students through the college experience, from convocation — to commencement.


"I had known that if I didn’t figure out a way to pay for college, I wasn’t going. If it wasn’t for the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program, I would not have been able to attend college and thrive in leadership roles and academics. The program gives us the freedom to pursue these activities without worrying about finances.” -Kelly/Strul Scholar, Zariah Walker

The Need

76

101

CURRENT STUDENTS

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES

STUDENTS SUPPORTED

22


The Need

Earning a college degree has become essential for long-term financial gain and career stability. Today, more than 19 million individuals attend colleges and universities nationwide. Approximately 27% of undergraduate students in the United States are first-generation college students, meaning neither of their parents attended college. This group faces unique challenges and opportunities in higher education. Only 19% of first-gen students complete a bachelor’s within six years.



Approximately 30% percent of the students at Florida Atlantic are first-generation college students and 40% are Pell-eligible. While their 6-year graduation rate has increased to 30%, this rate still lags behind the continuing generation students who have a 72% graduation rate.


The Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program aims to defy those odds by addressing barriers to educational success. Determination runs deep at Florida Atlantic, and we teach our scholars one simple lesson — "If you can dream it, we've got the tools to help you achieve it."


Kelly/Strul Program By The Numbers 

123

CONTRIBUTING DONORS

77

ALUMNI

73

CURRENT SCHOLARS