Founding Scholars

Founding Scholars welcomes new, incoming first-generation college students to life at GW. Students will build community with other first-gen students, connect with faculty and staff, and learn about valuable academic and campus resources while learning more about Washington, D.C. This program is specifically designed for first-generation students. 

OVERVIEW

Small groups and peer guides are a signature part of our co-curricular programs. Incoming student participants will be placed in a small group led by upper-class peer guides who act as mentors, lead small group discussions and activities, guide reflection on what it means to be a first-generation student, and help participants get to know more about GW and Washington, D.C. Students that sign up to participate in Founding Scholars are expected to be available to engage during all program dates and times.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

By addressing the unique characteristics of this population, Founding Scholars aims to reduce barriers between first-generation students and continuing-generation peers, acclimating students to their new home, fostering connectedness, and providing a successful start to the college experience.

Founding Scholars participants will:

• Explore what it means to be first-gen at GW;
• Build community with first-gen peers;
• Connect with faculty/staff;
• Learn about valuable academic and campus resources to succeed at GW; and
• Explore your new home in Washington, D.C., learn how to navigate the city, and discover some of what it offers alongside your peers.

COST

The program fee is $75 per participant and will be charged to your student account in August. The fee will cover program supplies, swag, and snacks. We will provide food for off-campus activities away from dining halls.

We do not want program fees to be a barrier to participation. Fee waivers are available for those who express financial need. If you have questions about fee waivers, please reach out to the Founding Scholars team at [email protected]

PROGRAM DATES AND SCHEDULE

The schedule for this year's program has not been released yet!

REGISTRATION

The application for Founding Scholars 2025 will open in spring 2025.

Please note that you can only participate in one pre-semester program. SEAS students, Women's Leadership Program (WLP), Civic House Scholars, and others with required programming on these program dates are not eligible to participate in Founding Scholars.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Founding Scholars team at [email protected].