Kessler Scholars Program

During their four-year journeys at Sinclair College and the University of Dayton, Kessler Scholars are part of a close-knit community of first-generation students empowered with resources, support and opportunities to connect with faculty, alumni and leaders on campus and beyond, including:

• Substantial financial aid at Sinclair and a full tuition scholarship at UD.
• Scholarships to reduce on-campus housing and meal plan costs at UD.
• An academic experience that promotes one-on-one guidance from advisors and peer mentors, hands-on leadership experiences and opportunities for community engagement.

To be considered for the Kessler Scholars Program for the UD Sinclair Academy, you must apply to the UD Sinclair Academy and file the FAFSA by Feb. 1.

• Applicants must be first-generation college students (the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree) who have graduated from high school within the last three years.
• Applicants must not be currently enrolled at Sinclair or another college.
• To be eligible, families must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a total family income (including the income of noncustodial parents) of $50,000 or less and be Pell-eligible. The FAFSA deadline is Feb. 1.
• For students whose parents are divorced or separated, completion of a noncustodial parent form is required.

Students who are accepted to the UD Sinclair Academy and eligible for the Kessler Scholars Program will receive a consideration email, inviting them to participate in an interview.

Students who are selected for the program must confirm their enrollment by May 1.

Kessler Scholars are required to participate in the Kessler Scholars Summer Bridge Program and other Kessler Scholars-related programming throughout their college experience.