The First-Generation Pioneer Medallion and Emerging Leader Scholarship require scholars to attend six (6) or more qualifying experiences throughout the academic year. Three (3) of the qualifying experiences should be First-Generation specific, while the other experiences can focus on academic success, career exploration, leadership skills, professional development, and cultural competency or diversity.. Below are descriptions and examples of each experience.
Academic Success: Academic success experiences are those in which scholars are exposed to strategies that can be applied to bolster academic success. Such experiences may focus on critical thinking, academic resources, time management, experiential learning, and study skills.
Career Exploration: Career exploration experiences are those in which scholars explore careers or areas of interest after college. Experiences can include job and internship fairs, job shadowing, meetings with career coaches, career conversation panels, and major or career related assessment workshops.
Cultural Competency and Diversity: Cultural competence or diversity-related experiences are those in which scholars learn to appreciate, respect, and accept differences in perspectives and behaviors based on cultural commonalities and differences. Experiences can include events which promote cultural awareness, safe or green zone training, cultural celebrations or acknowledgments, or events in which scholars are exposed to cultures, perspectives, or worldviews that are different from their own.
First-Generation Engagement: First-generation experiences are those workshops, events, or programs that are specifically designed for a first-generation audience. These experiences allow opportunities to engage and network within the first-generation community. Experiences can include first-generation tailored events that encompasses academic success, career development, leadership skills, and cultural awareness.
Leadership Skills: Leadership experiences are those in which scholars participate in activities that help develop or strengthen leadership skills. Experiences can include volunteering or service learning, leadership roles in student organizations, serving as a tutor, mentor, or residence hall advisor, and any program or workshop that focuses on leadership development.
Professional Development: Professional development experiences are those that contribute to a scholar’s continued growth as a student or professional. Experiences can include activities that prepare scholars to transition from college into professional roles, enhance critical thinking skills, improve networking skills and interviewing techniques, as well as develop competencies in communication, self-awareness, professionalism, adaptability, and conflict resolution.