Mission Statement
Founded in 2003 at Santa Clara University, the LEAD Scholars Program supports first-generation college students in their academic success, community engagement and vocational exploration.
We have expanded to provide a wide range of support, helping first-generation college students:
TRANSITION TO SCU
- LEAD Week: Participate in an orientation the week before college to start making friends and acclimating to campus
- LEAD Seminars: Take introductory courses to learn more about campus resources and leadership opportunities
- Peer Mentoring: Meet regularly with a current LEAD Scholar and participate in fun activities with a mentoring group
THRIVE AT SCU
- Ongoing Advising: Gain support from the LEAD staff throughout college
- Leadership Opportunities: Become a LEAD Peer Mentor, Peer Educator, or Programming Board Member
- Funding: Obtain funding for scholarships, emergency expenses, and fellowships such as stipends for unpaid internships, undergraduate research, study abroad programs and more.
TRANSITION TO CAREER
- Vocational Exploration: Prepare for life after graduation with career exploration courses, site visits, and other opportunities
- Alumni Engagement: After graduation, mentor current students and reconnect through LEAD alumni professional development and social events
LEAD Community Values
- The LEAD Scholars community is a place where all first-gen students are welcomed, valued, celebrated, and empowered.
- As LEAD Scholars, we believe our community should be built on respect, empathy, and authenticity, and a value for diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We want to create a welcoming and safe space where we can have long lasting relationships.
- Being a part of this community means that we support and accept one another by showing up, listening with intent and participating vulnerably.
- We contribute to this community by being advocates and resources for each other. We take responsibility for personal growth by being self aware, reflecting, and being willing to adapt.
- When we face challenges, we can lean into our support network of trusted community members.
- Our vision for the future of the LEAD Scholars Program is to become a thriving community at SCU where a growing number of first-gen student voices are heard, accepted, and respected.
A Generous Gift from the Koret Foundation
LEAD has received two generous grants from the Koret Foundation: 1.5 million from 2017-2020, and 1.9 million from 2020-2025. This important funding has allowed LEAD to:
- Increase the number LEAD Scholars
- Create year-round peer and alumni mentoring programs
- Establish a Koret Fellows program to financially support high impact co-curricular opportunities, including undergraduate research, unpaid internships, community-based learning, study abroad, and summer school courses
- Provide emergency funding to support students with emergency and basic living expenses
- Offer seminar courses that focus on vocation and career development
- Hire additional professional staff with a focus on student mental health and well-being
To learn more about the Koret Foundation's first gift, please read the press release.