This student-run organization provides community and support — including social events — for first-generation college students at Mizzou.
Check out their amazing website for more resources!
Sign up on MU Engage.
The TRiO office provides qualifying students services in six main categories: academic, financial, social, professional/career, leadership development and cultural competency.
The McNair Scholars Program provides enriching experiences that prepare eligible students for postgraduate study.
This MU Career Center platform is searchable with hundreds of resources and dedicated spaces for student groups with targeted messaging — including a page for first-generation students.
For students interested in graduate study, you can get a Glimpse into Graduate School through the Grad School 101 Professional Development Series. It is a great opportunity for First-Gen students to be connected with resources, programming and guidance to choose a graduate program.
Trail Blazers: First-Generation College Students
Are you the first in your family to attend college? If so, Trail Blazers offers a FIG designed especially for you! This FIG is led by first-generation college students and will provide you with help, guidance, resources, and insight into navigating the sometimes-daunting maze of higher education all while earning core credits toward your degree. Learn more here.
This program equips first-generation, rural students with the tools and skills needed to achieve academic success at Mizzou and provides them with exposure to the business world through a variety of activities over four years. incoming first-year students must be accepted into Mizzou, designating business as their major, and have a minimum 3.25 high school GPA. Applications are open annually beginning in August, with priority given to applicants who apply before December 1st. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Junior Pathways to Success Program (J-PAWS) is a partnership between the University of Missouri School of Medicine and the MedOpp Advising Office. The program’s objective is to assist first generation, socioeconomically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented in medicine undergraduate Mizzou students on their path to a career in medicine.
What to Expect: A Timeline
You’ve been accepted. Now what?
• Register for New Student Orientation.
• Sign up for campus housing.
• Complete your required training. Completing these trainings early will prevent holds that prevent you from registering later.
• Send official transcripts and documents to the MU Office of Admissions. This includes your final high school transcript or credit from other schools, as well as AP, IB or CLEP credit.
You’re on campus. Now what?
• Participate in Welcome Week before classes begin.
• Get connected to student organizations, clubs and groups.
• Learn about academic support at the Learning Center.
It’s October. Now what?
• FAFSA opens Oct. 1. Complete by Mizzou’s Jan. 7 priority date.
• Make housing decisions for next year.
• Meet with your academic advisor to talk about spring classes — and beyond. Early registration for the next semester occurs in October and November. Get ready!
It’s January. Now what?
• Renew or review scholarships.
• Check your schedule to see if you need to make changes. Sometimes course locations or details change before classes begin. In addition, if you need to make adjustments based on your previous semester, now is the time to do so.
• Consider registering for summer courses. You can register for summer courses at MU starting in January. To stay on track to complete your degree in four years, you should earn 30 credits per academic year.
It’s March. Now what?
• Take steps to confirm your major by meeting with an advisor or Career Center staff.
• Meet with your academic advisor to talk about fall classes — and beyond.
It’s May. Celebrate!
