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. The benefits to Fiat Lux Scholars 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 the 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 each academic year) at UC Merced;
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.
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 to be successful at UC Merced.
