Signature Programs

First Generation Research Scholars Program - Spring 2026 Only

The First-Gen Scholars Research Program (FGSRP) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers first-generation college students eligible for federal work-study the opportunity to participate in meaningful and high-impact research.

Event flyer 10.03.2025 2pm Zoom information session for First Gen Scholars Research Program
October 3: First Gen Scholars Research Program Information Session (Virtual)

Hosted in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Research 

October 23: First Gen Scholars Research Program Information Session (In-person)

Hosted in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Research 

----

Seeing this after our application deadline? Still interested in exploring the world of research? Check out your full array of program options through the Illinois Office of Undergraduate Research (https://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/). 

First Generation Study Abroad Program - Spring 2026 Only

Panama 2026 flyer

Bridging Sustainable and Personal Development Goals in Panamá City

  • Course: ACES 298 | 3 credits | Spring 2026
  • Enrollment: Instructor approval required | Must be part of Panamá 2026 cohort
  • Abroad component: March 13, 2026 until March 21, 2026

Embark on an educational journey to Panamá, where you're immerse yourself in sustainable development practices, engage with local communities, and discover what it means to be an ethical traveler and a global, sustainability-minded professional.

This program is open to first-generation undergraduate students in any major who are served by The Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success (The Jeffries Center) and Scholar Support Programs.

Thanks to generous financial support from the Jeffries Center and Scholar Support Programs, international airfare, lodging, activities, transportation, some meals, international insurance, emergency response, and on-site support will be covered. 

Visit the following link for application & program details: https://app.studyabroad.illinois.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=12042 
 

Applications for Panama 2026 are now closed.  

----

Seeing this after our application deadline? Still interested study abroad? Check out your full array of program options through this searchable database (https://app.studyabroad.illinois.edu) and a college-specific list of study abroad offices (https://studyabroad.illinois.edu/college-study-abroad-offices.html).
 

Panamá Study Abroad 2026 Flyer

Read more about the program through this advancement feature article!

First Generation Career Connections: Pathways to Success - Fall 2025 Only

Mentee recruitment form - mentor and mentee sitting at table together speaking

Pathways to Success is a new initiative that connects first-generation undergraduate students with faculty and staff who share similar experiences—helping them build confidence, community, and career insight. Scheduled to launch for Fall 2025. 

Pathways Mentees - Students

Mentee recruitment is CLOSED. Mentee Invitation Flyer

Please attend FGSI drop-in hours or book an FGSI Student Success Advisor appointment to explore additional mentorship opportunities on campus (go.illinois.edu/FGMeeting)