Welcome First-Gen Students!
The First-Generation Leadership and Innovation (FLI) Vanderploeg Scholars Program was started in the Fall 2022 from a generous donation from Dr. Marty Vanderploeg to support the success of first-generation students at Michigan State University.
Our mission is to provide first-generation college students at Michigan State University with opportunities to develop leadership skills and become innovators in their chosen field through support and funding from program staff and the university at large.
Our vision is to be a premier scholarship program at MSU for first-generation college students by creating opportunities for career and leadership development, opportunities for programmatic and individual innovation, and participation in high-impact practices while creating a community where first-generation scholars have a deep sense of belonging to the program and MSU.
As part of the program, FLI Vanderploeg Scholars receive:
- Supportive community of professionals and peers
- Funding for high-impact learning practices such study abroad, internships, service learning, undergraduate research and more!
- Scholarships each year of participation
- Leadership and professional development
- Peer mentoring
- Advising and coaching from professionals
Program Requirements: Receiving scholarship and high-impact practice funding will depend of your participation with the program. You must do the following in order to get funding and to stay in the program
- Enroll in UGS-110 – we will have a section that is specifically for new FLI students
- Attend and participate in the Early Arrival Retreat from August 15-19
- You will move in earlier than most students
- The retreat is an orientation-like, 4-day program to prepare you for your time at MSU
- Complete regular check-in meetings with program staff
- Communicate and meet with your FLI mentor regularly
- Attend required programming:
- First-Gen Week Reception and Awards Ceremony on November 5th
- FLI Annual Retreat in early Spring Semester
- Actively engage with the program
- Attend 2 additional program events and/or workshops per semester, outside of those that are required
- Communicate with program staff regularly
Eligibility and Admissions
Program Criteria: The FLI Vanderploeg Program is open to In State and Out of State students of all majors. Transfer students are welcomed! To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Identify as a first-gen student (neither parent or guardian completed a four-year college or university degree)
- Be an incoming first-year undergraduate student, transfer students welcomed
- Agree to fully participate and engage in the program
- Be a domestic U.S. student
- Cannot also participate in Dow STEM Scholars, Detroit M.A.D.E., or TRIO programs at MSU.
- Submit a completed application
How to Apply:
- Click here to preview the application before submitting it online
- Submit your application by May 20, 2025 before 11:59PM
- Once your application is submitted, your application will be reviewed at the end of May and interview offers will be made to top candidates.
- Student will be notified in early June of selection and will be asked to sign a program participation agreement.
For questions about the program or the admissions process, please email firstgen@msu.edu.
