For first-generation students, navigating higher education for the first time often presents unique challenges. The Opportunity Scholars program at the David Eccles School of Business is designed to help break down those barriers so students can achieve excellence, both in and out of the classroom. On Tuesday, March 19, current members of the cohort met with program alums during their monthly meeting. This was [...]
The Opportunity Scholars program lived up to its name at this year’s luau, giving students the chance to meet Congressman-elect Ben McAdams. Each year the Opportunity Scholars program at the David Eccles School of Business honors their fall graduates at an incredible luau celebration. On Friday, December 7, the program recognized students who were set to graduate at the end of this semester. In [...]
With 33 Opportunity Scholars scheduled to graduate in only a few days, excitement is in the air. Each of these graduates have faced unbelievable odds as first-generation students, making each of their accomplishments even more noteworthy. Kicking off the semi-annual luau, each of the graduates received a lei necklace, a pair of flip flops, and sunglasses. After receiving these gifts, each graduate had the [...]
The Opportunity Scholars program headed south this past weekend, gaining valuable experiences and relationships while in Zion National Park. For many of the scholars, the outdoor experiences they engaged in this past weekend were entirely new. Led by program directors Latu Kinikini and Rich Kaufusi, the scholars set up their campsite upon arrival and began engaging in activities revolving around leadership, relationship building, and [...]
The Opportunity Scholars program has given students immense support, financial aid and guidance for more than 20 years and continues to grow each year. At the end of each semester, the program celebrates its graduating students at a luau. This semester’s luau began with a speech by Michelle Kaufusi, the newly elected mayor of Provo city. As a first-generation student herself, Kaufusi experienced many [...]
"Life will knock you down. Whether you have graduated, moved on with your career or are a current student, there are always going to be things you need to stand up for. Get up. Get up and make a difference." With those closing words from Rich Kafusi, director of the Opportunity Scholars program, you'd be hard-pressed to find a dry eye in the Hilton Salt [...]
College was a new place for Andy Ho and his family. Neither of his parents attended college, and Ho wasn’t sure how he was going to navigate the world of higher education without some guidance. But he found Opportunity Scholars, and now the senior is set to graduate with a degree in management after diversifying his business education with internships at places such as [...]
The Opportunity Scholars program at the David Eccles School of Business is celebrating its 20th anniversary! The program, which helps first-generation, underrepresented students graduate from the Eccles School has worked with hundreds of students during its two decades. The celebration will be held Thursday, April 6 at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner and remarks at [...]
The David Eccles School of Business continues to strive for academic success with some of the best educators engaging with its students. Not only does the Eccles School educate its students, it also presents opportunities to students who have financial need and are first-generation college students, meaning the first in their family to earn a higher education. The Opportunity Scholars Program is a place [...]
“Sometimes, it’s the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.” The Opportunity Scholars program at the Eccles School is in the business of imagination. The program supports first-generation college students — students whose immediate family didn’t attend college. Many of the students come from under-represented populations. These journeys make celebrations all the more special. And quite [...]