The University of Dayton will receive $1.1 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Judy and Fred Wilpon Family Foundation for the Kessler Scholars program for students in the UD Sinclair Academy who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree.
The program helps first-generation college students succeed at Sinclair and UD through financial, academic, and personal support. Scholars receive scholarships to UD, peer mentoring, leadership development, and more. They also benefit from the UD Sinclair Academy, which offers a clear academic pathway, dedicated advising, and inclusion in campus life.
"Kessler Scholars gives you a really good support system and pushes you to succeed in college," said Alexander Gonzalez, who will transition to UD in the spring to study marketing. "Especially as a first-generation student, there will always be times I need someone to fall back on and give me extra motivation."
UD launched its Kessler Scholars program in 2022 with a $1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Wilpon Family Foundation. The new grant allows UD to deepen the program's impact, plan for its sustainability, and extends UD's participation in the Kessler Scholars Collaborative for four additional years. Read more about the impact of new funding across the Kessler network here.
"First-generation students bring incredible talent and determination to our campus," said University of Dayton President Eric F. Spina. "The Kessler Scholars Program helps them succeed with strong support and a true sense of belonging. It reflects our Catholic, Marianist mission to expand access and help every student thrive. We're deeply grateful to the Wilpon Family and Bloomberg Philanthropies for believing in our students and investing so generously in their success."
This fall, the program will mark a milestone as the first group of Kessler Scholars transitions from Sinclair to UD.
"I see firsthand the immense talent and ambition within our students at Sinclair, many of whom are first in their families to pursue higher education," said Steve Johnson, Sinclair's president and CEO. "The Kessler Scholars Program, as well as the UD Sinclair Academy partnership, help to bridge the gap between two-year and four-year institutions, prioritizing academic and financial support, which is essential for fostering educational and workforce success by empowering the next generation of leaders."
Gonzalez said being a first-generation student means learning as you go. The Kessler program gives him people to turn to when he has questions — like how to apply for housing — that his parents haven't faced. It also helps him connect with other first-gen students through events.
"It can be scary at times being first-generation," he said. "But you learn how to be independent, advocate for yourself and push through challenges. That support system is really important."