First Generation Scholars

We piloted our First Generation Scholars program in the summer of 2023. This program provides access for six HFCS students to Marist College’s long-standing Summer Pre-College Program. The prospect of going to college, especially for First-Generation students, can be daunting. This two-week program ranked as one of the best in the United States, allows high school students to live on campus, take classes and form bonds with others from around the country. Students completing the program earn three college credits. It is our hope this experience will be transformational and instill the confidence needed for college success.

First-Generation college students represent one-third of all students that enroll in U.S. colleges and universities. So, which ones do we choose? We selected students exhibiting strength of character. Our goal is that these First-Generation students will be the next generation of leaders in this country. Now, more than ever, we need to develop leaders who are strong in character traits such as honesty, respect, humility, and compassion.

We understand the summer pre-college program is just the beginning of the support that will be needed to ensure First-Generation students can thrive. In the coming months, we’ll be announcing additional support that will be available to the JLS Foundation First-Generation scholars throughout their college and post-college careers.