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

The 2026-2027 Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program Scholarship Application is now available for students to apply.

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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 

115

CONTRIBUTING DONORS

77

ALUMNI

85

CURRENT SCHOLARS