Meet our First Gen Roo Peer Mentors

The First Gen Roo Scholars program is designed for incoming, full-time freshmen students who meet the definition of a first-generation college student (UMKC defines a first-generation college student as any student whose parents or guardians did not receive a bachelor's degree in the United States).

How to become a First Gen Roo Scholar

Incoming full-time freshman students who identify as first-generation college students when completing their application to UMKC will be invited to apply to participate in the First Gen Roo Scholars Program. Students who are invited to apply for the First Gen Roo Scholars program will receive a letter indicating this in their UMKC Admissions portal.

The costs associated with the First Gen Roo Scholars program, including early move-in costs (for the 6 days the program is running before the official UMKC move-in day), meals, and programming, are covered by the program.

Benefits of being a First Gen Roo Scholar

• An early introduction to campus, resources, community-building and academic experiences the week before fall classes begin
• $75 completion stipend for Welcome Week and $75 completion stipend for Fall program completion
• Interactive programming such as self-care, navigating technology, college lingo and financial literacy specially designed by fellow first-gen students and UMKC resource offices
• A first-generation student as a peer mentor
• Assistance in forming personalized plans and goals for your first semester of college and beyond
• A contributing place in the UMKC First Gen Proud community at UMKC

2025 First Gen Roo Scholars Program Information

The First Gen Roo Scholars program will kick off on Sunday, August 11 with early move-in for scholars who have a fall housing contract. The First Gen Roo Scholars summer program will run from Monday, August 18 to Friday, August 22.

• Confirm that you will become a Roo by accepting your offer of admission and paying your $150 confirmation fee by May 1
• Be fully available for the mandatory Summer Program that takes place Monday, August 18 to Friday, August 22 (more specific details coming soon)
• Commit to the First Gen Roo Scholars program, including meeting with your assigned mentor and attending squad meet ups throughout the Fall 2025 semester

First Gen Roo Scholars Mission and Goals

The mission of the First Gen Roo Scholars program is to strive to build a supportive, energetic, and inclusive community to enrich our first-generation students' experiences at UMKC. The First Gen Roo Scholars program is designed for first-time college students who meet the definition of a first-generation college student. First Gen Roo Scholars advances first gen success through programming that enhances academic, social, career and financial wellbeing.

• Goal #1: Provide programming that supports scholars' academic success to decrease the retention and graduation gaps for first-generation college students.
• Goal #2: Collaborate with on-campus partners and community employers to improve career preparedness for students entering the workforce or pursuing graduate and professional degrees in Kansas City and beyond.
• Goal #3: Enhance financial skills and knowledge to improve first-generation college student financial well-being.
• Goal #4: Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for first-generation students regardless of background, and cultivate a community of learners with a commitment to equity, diversity and respectful interaction.
• Goal #5: Elevate students’ sense of community, belonging and pride through on- and off-campus experiences, traditions and making connections with other students, staff, faculty, UMKC alumni and the Kansas City community.

First Gen Roo Scholars and Supporters Resources