A 1.1 Million Grant Award Extends Queens College Participation in the Kessler Scholars Collaborative, a National Network Focused on First-Generation Student Success
—Investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Wilpon Family Foundation builds on strong early findings from the Kessler Scholars Collaborative’s comprehensive, cohort-based support model for first-generation, limited-income (FGLI) students—
Flushing, NY, August 7, 2025—Based on strong early outcomes, Queens College has been awarded a $1.1 million, four-year grant to extend its participation in the Kessler Scholars Collaborative and expand its work in assuring opportunities and successful outcomes for first-generation, limited-income (FGLI) college students. This joint investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Judy and Fred Wilpon Family Foundation will enable the college to continue as part of the national collaborative network, providing resources, comprehensive student support, and helping to implement best practices. The extension funding will ensure that the Kessler Scholars Programs in the collaborative will continue operating through 2030.
“Queens College has long been an engine of social mobility for so many who are the first in their families to attend college,” said Queens College President Frank H. Wu. “The continuation of this extraordinary support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Wilpon Family Foundation aligns with our mission of providing access to a quality academic experience in a supportive and welcoming environment for those who might not otherwise have been able to successfully pursue a higher education degree.”
Queens College launched the Kessler Scholars Program on its campus in fall 2020 and has welcomed 93 FGLI students as Kessler Scholars as of fall 2025. They have benefited from personalized advising and support from dedicated staff and peer mentors; cohort-based activities to reinforce a sense of belonging; and evidence-based programming designed to elevate first-generation students’ strengths and support their academic, personal, and professional development.
“The Kessler Scholars Program at Queens College is a transformative opportunity that empowers first-generation students to thrive,” said Taruna Sadhoo, director of Honors and Scholarships at Queens College. “By fostering a strong sense of community and service, offering high-impact support, and honoring students’ unique backgrounds and journeys, the program reinforces QC’s commitment to equity—ensuring every student has the resources, guidance, and confidence to succeed and lead in a more just and prosperous society.”
Early results from QC show the promise of this comprehensive support model, including exceptional engagement and retention; the program boasts more than a 90% engagement and retention rate, indicating strong student involvement and sustained participation. Students also have a four-year graduation rate that is more than double the national average for first-generation students, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in supporting academic success. It also fosters a deep sense of community and belonging through intentional programming. Signature support initiatives include the Summer Bridge Program, which help students transition smoothly into college life; student mentor retreats and programming, which build peer connections and leadership skills; and first-generation celebration events that honor and empower first-generation identities.
Although first-generation college students make up more than half of all undergraduates in the United States, only 24% earn a bachelor’s degree six years after starting college, compared with almost 60% of students whose parents hold a bachelor’s degree. Too often, first-gen students fail to persist in college because the experiences they encounter on campuses leave them feeling unwelcome, unsure where to turn for academic or personal support, and with an overwhelming sense that college just isn’t for them. They also are juggling numerous responsibilities, such as working alongside studying, making it difficult to take full advantage of all that college has to offer. According to FirstGenForward, only 8% of first-gen college students study abroad and fewer than 1 in 4 complete a paid internship during their undergraduate career.
For more information about the Kessler Scholars Collaborative, visit www.kesslerscholars.org or track the project’s external evaluation via Ithaka S+R.
-30-