The Fiat Lux Scholars Program is a community of scholars and dedicated staff who take a holistic approach to empower a select cohort of first-generation, income-eligible scholars to enhance their development, growth and academic success. Through encouragement, motivation and engagement, the four-year program inspires its scholars to “let their light shine” by developing the necessary skills to obtain their undergraduate degree from UC Merced. Our goal is to enhance scholars' academic performance, drive, ambition and overall college experience through a structured system of resources and intrusive advising. Some benefits of the Fiat Lux Scholars Program include:
Regular, frequent interactions with Fiat Lux staff, to review your progress and make sure that you have the tools and support you need throughout each semester to help you succeed;
A first-year Living Learning Community in Tenaya Residence Hall;
A financial aid package of $100,000 throughout the scholars' four years ($25,000 minimum each academic year in grant and scholarship awards) at UC Merced. Pell Grants and Cal Grants are included in the $25,000 amount being guaranteed, as well as any other grants and scholarships the scholar has been packaged with;
Optional enrollment in USTU 010 (1 credit) with the goal of improving first-year scholars’ academic outcomes; and
Students in the program are expected to participate in all required program elements, such as workshops, socials, faculty receptions, professional developments, ongoing communications with the program, and meetings with our program staff, including peer mentors.
The UC Merced Fiat Lux Scholars Program was launched in the spring of 2010. It was initially supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Together, we currently serve nearly 300 undergraduate scholars by promoting resilience, increasing retention, and enhancing student development towards degree attainment through intentionally structured services. We provide scholars the tools and motivation they need to be successful at UC Merced.
We encourage you to visit our FAQ page to learn more.
For general inquiries about the program, please contact us at fiatlux@ucmerced.edu
