Opportunity Scholars

The HFA Opportunity Scholars program is a multi-year college readiness and success program that fosters community, empowers students to navigate the hidden curriculum, and supports students in identifying and utilizing their individual strengths to achieve their desired goals both during college and post-graduation. It is intended for students who are first generation in their family to go to college, are economically disadvantaged, and/or are from historically underrepresented groups in higher education.

A Year of Connection and Support

Students in their first semester may take a First-Year Seminar class together, a small class that allows for students to connect to each other and benefit from individualized support from their instructor as they navigate the start of their college career. As all of these students are in their first year of study, this important phase of the program heavily emphasizes self-actualization and empowerment; building a strong sense of community among the students; mentoring; and early access to research and career opportunities. Students who successfully complete this class with a grade point average of 3.00 or better receive a course materials stipend for the following semester.

Beyond the First Year

While Opportunity Scholars is an academic success program at its core, it has the social and community benefits of a student organization.

As students progress through the program, they are presented with a suite of opportunities to further enrich and enhance their college experience. Broadly, the program is designed to promote personal and collective empowerment, scholarship, leadership, community engagement, and connection to UMass students, faculty, alumni and other communities.

After their first year, students are presented with a wide array of experiences and opportunities that are intended to contribute to their general knowledge and experience, as well as to their individualized path to growth and success while at college. Ultimately, the skills and experiences associated with this course are meant to contribute to the student’s personal development and scholarly success, while also contributing to a solid foundation for life beyond college.

Learn More

If you are an incoming first generation student, economically disadvantaged, or a member of an historically underrepresented population and are interested in joining the HFA Opportunity Scholars, please contact the Opportunity Scholars Program at opportunityscholars [at] umass [dot] edu.