FLI Vanderploeg Scholars

Mission:

The First-Generation Leadership and Innovation (FLI) Vanderploeg Scholars program provides 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 through program staff and the university at large.

Vision:

We aim 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.

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
• Agree to fully participate and engage in the program
• Be a domestic U.S. student
• Submit a completed application
  

Program Benefits: Participation in the First-Gen Program affords students many benefits, including:

• 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