Nearly 60 students are marking a major milestone this spring: completing their associate degrees through the UD Sinclair Academy and preparing to take their next steps at the University of Dayton. Among them are the program’s first Kessler Scholars — students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree.

The Academy removes financial barriers and helps students follow a clear academic pathway with dedicated advising. They also get early access to UD campus life — from clubs to housing. The Kessler Scholars program builds on that foundation with added support for first-generation students, including full tuition scholarships to UD, peer mentoring, leadership development and financial support for housing and meals. The program is supported by a $1 million grant from the Bloomberg and Wilpon foundations.

For Dylan Fletcher, a business administration major, the program offered more than affordability.

“It helped me find peers I could study with and connect to on campus,” he said. “Coming from high school, your friends go away. But this gave us a community.”

Fletcher plans to continue studying marketing at UD while also working with his dad’s home remodeling business. He hopes to get his real estate license and one day take over the company. 

“I definitely had struggled with classes,” Fletcher said of earning his associates degree. “But my family helped me every step of the way. Having them by my side gave me that extra push.”

Rebecca Gonzalez, a psychology and Spanish double major, also found strong support through the Academy and the Kessler Scholars program.

“If it wasn’t for them — especially the people who worked with me — I wouldn’t have had the resources or opportunities I’ve had,” she said.

As both a mentee and now a peer mentor, Gonzalez said the program helped her feel confident navigating college life and gave her a space to connect with others who understand the first-gen experience.

“It’s more than just academic,” she said. “Sometimes you need to talk about things that aren’t even college-related. That support means a lot.”

When she walked across the stage at Sinclair, Gonzalez said the pride on her face was unmistakable. Her family greeted her with balloons and flowers.

“I feel like I’m achieving the American dream they had in mind for me,” she said. “I’m going beyond what was expected — and I know they’re proud.”