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

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 FAU 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.


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 17 million individuals attend college nationwide, of which 7.4 million are first-generation college students. Yet, 90% of low-income, first-generation students will not complete their degree due to a variety of factors, including lack of support, according to EAB, a leader in higher education.


Of the 9,300 undergraduate, first-generation students at Florida Atlantic University, 40% are low-income and 66% represent minority populations. While their 6-year graduation rates have increased from 29% to 30%, it 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. From 2017 through August 2022, the program has achieved a 100% graduation rate in 4 years or less. Determination runs deep at FAU, 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

3,650

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS

65

TOTAL MENTORS IN PROGRAM

23

STUDENTS SECURED INTERNSHIPS

32

SCHOLARS IN STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

32

STUDENT MENTORS

139

STUDENTS SUPPORTED

56

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES

73

CURRENT SCHOLARS