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 to help those students with tuition and book scholarships, tutoring, academic advising and preparation for job interviews, networking events and internships.

Richard Kaufusi is the Director of the Opportunity Scholars Program. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in English from Brigham Young University and continued his education at the University of Utah in the graduate program in Leadership and Policy.

Eccles School: Who inspires you?

Kaufusi: My parents inspire me. I am a first-generation student to go to college. They have pushed me through the struggles in my life.

Eccles School: Any advice for future students?

Kaufusi: There are three things. First, be a good communicator and good listener. Second, have number skills. They will help you in the long run! And, third, be a good problem solver.

Eccles School: What are your job duties as Director of Opportunity Scholars?

Kaufusi: I oversee 100+ students for the program, create networking events for students and interact with donors for the program because without the donors there would be no Opportunity Scholars Program.

Apply for the Opportunity Scholars Program

To be eligible for the Opportunity Scholars Program, students must maintain a GPA greater than 3.0 and match the three criteria listed:

1. NEED BASE: Have a financial need according to federal guidelines through FAFSA.
2. FIRST-GENERATION: First in your immediate family to attend college.
3. UNDER-REPRESENTED: A member of a population or group that is under-represented in higher education.

Click here to apply.