91´ÎÔª

The Bernard & Audre Rapoport First Generation Scholars are here to support you as you take on college life! We help you build community, gain confidence in your college journey, and grow both personally and academically. Through events, tools, and connections, you’ll be part of a group that’s focused on success—and having fun along the way. As a Rapoport First Generation Scholar, you’ll get a full and meaningful college experience with support every step of the way.

Summer Bridge

Summer Bridge is a one-week experience just for Rapoport First Generation Scholars. This program helps you get a head start on college life—meeting other scholars, learning what to expect, and building confidence before classes begin. Through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations, you'll strengthen your sense of community, grow in self-awareness, and start developing a strong college mindset.

Topics include:

• Clifton Strengths
• Cohort building
• Campus Resources & Awareness
• Classroom & instructor strategies

Community Service

Each scholar is required to complete at least eight community service hours each semester.

Community service is a core value of the Rapoport First Generation Scholars program. We believe in giving back and staying connected to the world around us. Through service projects and volunteer opportunities, scholars not only make a positive impact, but also gain a deeper understanding of the needs, strengths, and stories within our local community. You might find them building with Habitat for Humanity, volunteering at local races, or helping at MCC events—always ready to lend a hand. These experiences help students grow as compassionate leaders while building meaningful connections beyond campus.

Cohort

College isn’t meant to be done alone, and that’s why community is at the heart of the Rapoport First Generation Scholars program.

Your cohort is more than just a group of classmates—it’s a team that learns, grows, and celebrates together. These are the people who will become more than familiar faces on campus; they’ll be your study partners, cheerleaders, and friends. Building those connections helps everyone stay motivated and overcome challenges. When scholars work together, share experiences, and lift each other up, they not only succeed individually but create a lasting community of success.

Success Coach Meetings

Rapoport First Generation Scholars meet with their Success Coach at least once a month.
These one-on-one meetings are an opportunity to reflect on your college experience, talk through challenges, and create a plan for moving forward. You'll work together to overcome obstacles, set meaningful goals, and build on your personal strengths. Success Coaches are here to support your academic and personal growth, helping you stay focused, confident, and connected throughout your college journey.

History

The First Generation Scholars are part of the Bernard & Audre Rapoport 91´ÎÔª First Generation Program, which was established in 2006.

The original mission of the program was to formulate a college mindset in local students and their parents during students' primary and secondary school experience to foster college aspirations and preparations, concentrating on students from the 4th-12th grades, and to improve students' success in college and in life.

The goal of the program is to serve young people who exhibit high merit and strong potential for success and whose parents do not have an associate’s degree or other college degree. Students chosen for this program have the added benefit of receiving guidance and support from a dedicated Success Coach to help equip them with tools for leadership and college readiness.