Programs
Faculty/Staff First-Gen Champions
If you’re a faculty or staff member who was a first-generation student, we want to
hear from you! Fill out the information in our form to be considered a resource for
our first-generation tigers, to share your own experiences as a first-generation student,
and have the opportunity to be featured on our social media! Follow us on Instagram
at @UofMFirstGen. For more information contact firstgen@memphis.edu.
The mission of the First Scholars Program is to dramatically improve the graduation
rate of first-generation college students and to prepare each scholar for a life with
self-awareness, success, and significance. First Scholars' comprehensive program was
created to specifically address the holistic development of first-generation students
throughout their college experience. Our program delivers multiple levels of support,
including a full-time program coordinator and peer mentors to help First Scholars
address the unique challenges first-gen students face. Each year the First Scholars
Program accepts 20 students to participate in this special cohort. Scholars selected
for the program will receive an annual $5,000 scholarship over their four-year experience
at the University of Memphis, for a total of $20,000 in scholarship funding. In addition
to the scholarship, students will receive a number of social, academic, and leadership
activities designed to guide scholars through key transitions pivotal to their success.
For more information, contact Niky Morrison at 901.678.6041 | nmrrson1@memphis.edu.
Hooks African American Male Initiative
Academic Achievement * Personal Development * Career Readiness * Financial Literacy
Hooks African American Male services include guidance and support to improve retention
and graduation rates of undergraduate African American males at the UofM. Services
are delivered through group enrichment sessions, group mentoring, individual coaching,
and case management. For more information, please contact Rorie Trammel at 901.678.4654 | rtrammel@memphis.edu.
Over 30% of the UofM campus is first-generation. We graduate hundreds of first-generation students every year. You can be successful here! This program focuses on connecting first-year students with a mentor who has been successful at the UofM! You can create a relationship with someone who will look out for you and understand where you've been! For more information contact firstgen@memphis.edu.
Sign up to request a Peer Mentor
Opportunity Scholars Program allows our students with DACA or TPS to continue their
education with financial aid and staff support through our partnership with Equal
Chance for Education For more information go to www.equalchanceforeducation.org or contact Jaclyn Rodriguez at 901.678.3011 | jpsavell@memphis.edu.
The goal of TRIO is to increase retention and graduation rates of University of Memphis
students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have a documented disability.
We work to foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of a diverse
group of students who have an academic need by providing educational opportunities,
giving attention to individual needs, and emphasizing academic excellence. For more information, contact Melvyn Harding at 901.678.2967 | mharding@memphis.edu.
First-Generation Career Closet
Our pop-up career closet provides free professional attire to our full-time students. This event takes place in the Fall and Spring. Follow our Instagram @UofMFirstGen for upcoming Career Closet dates! There is also a mini career closet available in the Office of First-Generation Student Success, Mitchell 301. For more information, contact us at 901.678.3011 | firstgen@memphis.edu.