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