The W awards inaugural First-Generation Ambassador Scholarships

Mississippi University for Women has awarded five freshman students to be the recipients of its inaugural First-Generation Ambassador Scholarship.

“The First-Generation Ambassador Scholarship is for those first-generation, freshmen students who meet academic requirements and would like to support their fellow first-generation classmates by helping to facilitate special events and programming for their cohort. Ambassadors are part of a small group of students that have access to in depth orientations to campus resources and leadership development mentors,” said Dr. Clear Moore, director for The W’s Student Success Center.

A first-generation student is someone whose parents or guardian did not complete a bachelor’s degree.

First-Generation Ambassadors receive $2,000 per year for four years.

The scholarship is another step in The W’s focus on first-gen students and their success, under the umbrella program of First in Flight, which was launched this year.

Ambassadors will also represent a student voice in planning events for first-generation students and assist with events such as the week-long First-Gen Celebration in November.

Miracle Washington, an early childhood development major, is one of the Ambassadors from the first class.

She is grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has and will continue to present for her.

“To be given this opportunity has meant a lot to me. Being the first to go to college, getting accepted into an amazing school and being honored with an opportunity like this one has meant the world to me. People often overlook first-generation students, however, The W has decided to change that this year; I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it!” Washington said.

The W was an easy choice for Washington, because she wanted to finish what her mother didn’t.

Washington explained, “My mom actually got accepted into The W and wanted to pursue social work. However, she became pregnant with me during her first semester. She believed that she couldn’t handle both at the same time. She had a huge impact on me wanting to go to The W to further my education. It is a must that I graduate from The W for my mom. When I noticed that this great opportunity was available for students like me, I immediately applied. Thus far, it has been one of my best decisions yet.”

M’Kya Cameron, another member of the inaugural cohort, is also thankful for the scholarship because it gives her the chance to make an impact on her fellow students and advocate for them.

“Being a chosen first-generation ambassador means I have the opportunity to advocate and support my fellow peers. I get to make a difference as well as make everyone feel welcomed and most importantly, valued,” Cameron said.

She decided The W was for her when she visited in October 2023. The atmosphere was welcoming and the number of resources available to students was astounding to Cameron.

“Just being on this campus, the staff and students make you feel welcomed and excited to be here. The W is a great school that welcomes students of all different backgrounds. The staff will celebrate you as if you are their only student which is something that is very hard to find when choosing a university to attend,” Cameron said.

There are plans to continue the scholarship program, adding new students each year.

“This program not only supports the five new individuals joining the cohort each year. It ultimately strengthens the university’s ability to champion all first-generation students by providing an avenue for increased student agency and peer-to-peer support,” Moore said.

To learn more about the Student Success Center and the resources available to students through it, please visit muw.edu/ssc/.