WE ARE THE
GEORGETOWN SCHOLARS PROGRAM
AY 2023-2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 OUR MISSION 03 OUR COMMUNITY 05 OUR STORY 07 GSP STUDENT BOARD 08 COMMUNITY BUILDING 10 ADVISING & MENTORSHIP 14 FINANCIAL RESOURCES 15 ADVOCACY 17 SENIOR FEATURES 20 ALUMNI FEATURES
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a more equitable college experience for first-generation and low-income students, an effort that advances Georgetown University's core mission as a whole.
Our Approach The Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP) works with talented first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) undergraduate students as they navigate the higher education system at an elite university. Additionally, our program's staff and students advocate for equity across Georgetown's campus.
WE ACHIEVE THIS IN 4 KEY WAYS: 01 Community Building
02 Advising & Mentorship
04 Advocacy
03 Financial Resources
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OUR COMMUNITY GSP dually serves as a robust network for students as well as a social impact hub that champions students to become advocates for themselves and their communities.
2000+ GSP Graduates
260+ Alumni & Peer Mentors
650+ Current GSP Students 6 GSP Program Staff
150+ Regional Network Volunteers
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Student Selection Process Students do not apply to GSP; instead, all admitted students who are eligible are considered for the program.
GSP BY THE NUMBERS
Our students' stories are unique and their own, but here are a few numbers* that paint a small picture of who they are as a whole:
74%
72%
of GSP students are first-generation college attendees.
of first-year admits to GSP come from public schools.
of our transfer admits to GSP come
63% Students admitted into the program are selected based on certain characteristics, with a preference for high-achieving students that have a firstgeneration and/or low-income background.
from public universities or community colleges.
46
states are represented in GSP's student body.
countries are represented in
16
GSP's student body, including the United States and its territories.
*Figures based on data as of September 2023
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OUR PROGRAM Following the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis or "care for the whole person," the Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP) provides holistic support for our community of first-generation and/or lowincome students as they acclimate to the Hilltop. GSP's goal is for our students realize their full potential and make the most of their college experience! Through our programs and social events, GSP students meet each other and begin to form a community. Our students work closely with staff, faculty, and alumni mentors to explore personal, academic, and professional endeavors throughout their time on campus.
From picking up first-year students who would otherwise arrive alone at airports during move-in weekend to promoting important relationship building with faculty and mentors, the GSP community is committed to making each student's experience rewarding. Students are encouraged, although not required, to participate in the program. Student participation can look like stopping by the GSP Student Lounge for a cup of coffee on their way to class, attending a community dinner with GSP student leaders and staff, or scheduling an advising session with GSP staff.
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GSP was born in 2004 from an effort to make Georgetown a more inclusive option for firstgeneration and/or low-income prospective students across the country. Georgetown administrators and alumni initially came together to create an enhanced scholarship to make a Georgetown education more affordable. Later, the programmatic vision for GSP was brought to life by one of the program's very own students who saw the need for support and community beyond the scholarship.
Who are first-generation and lowincome students and why is a program, created for and with our students, important? Georgetown and other institutions of higher learning have jargon, traditions, and their own set of norms; some call it "the hidden curriculum." Limited knowledge and access to this cultural capital can prevent students from fully engaging in college and could contribute to a diminished sense of belonging. We, alongside our students, work to ensure that they have access to this hidden curriculum. Our programming goal is to create a strong sense of belonging at Georgetown and to walk with our students through the challenges that higher education may bring.
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GSP STUDENT BOARD At the rich center of GSP is our Student Board. The Student Board is tasked with two crucial roles: student voice and advocacy. Our program was born from student ideas and our Student Board helps us make sure we listen to students' needs above all else! The Student Board keeps our ideas fresh, FUN, and centered on the student experience. The Student Board also works with campus partners and student organizations to ensure that others design their programs and campus events with FGLI students in mind. Our amazing student leaders on the board take pride in running key events and initiatives such as our annual #GSProud campaign. Finally, the Student Board works closely with their staff advisor to cultivate their leadership potential to affect positive change around campus and develop their passions about diversity and inclusion. Students are selected each year to work closely with peer leaders and staff to explore and identify issues the FGLI student community faces. Their thoughtful work helps the program ensure it is meeting these needs.
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COMMUNITY BUILDING MOVE-IN INITIATIVES
BREAK PROGRAMMING
We manage two initiatives annually during new student move-in that ensures students in the program feel our support from the moment they arrive in DC. Many students travel long distances to campus for their first day. To assist students who would otherwise arrive alone, GSP pairs them with local alumni and volunteers who work to pick them up from nearby airports, bus, or train stations. Our volunteers also help these first-year students move into their dorms and welcome them to the Hoya community. Additionally, GSP provides brand new, free bedding kits to incoming students as a welcome gift.
GSP works hard to ensure that students feel supported and at home on the Hilltop. GSP hosts fun break programming over Thanksgiving, Spring, and Easter Breaks where we organize activities like bowling, art workshops, and trips to local eateries (as the dining hall is closed). Our break programming helps students still feel at home, even though they may be far from their loved ones during holiday breaks.
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THRIVE & PARENT GUIDES To prepare students for the transition to college, GSP prepares a “Thrive Guide” which walks them through the first-year experience: from moving in on the first day, to buying books, to meeting with professors, and juggling academic demands with social life. GSP also creates a bilingual Parent Guide annually to prepare parents and guardians for what they can expect during a student’s transition to Georgetown. These resources are mailed to each student's home and students also receive a digital version.
GSP COMMUNITY DINNERS We host multiple community dinners over the academic year to create a space for GSPers to break bread and spend time in community with each other. These dinners not only allow students to make connections with their peers, but also create opportunities for an open forum to share and reflect on their experiences as FGLI students in a comfortable space.
OTHER FUN PROGRAMMING One of the most valuable ways to foster engagement among students is via our collaborations with other departments across campus and with student groups! From bringing in alumni on panels for students to learn from and engage with to co-hosting mental health seminars to organizing fun dinners and activities, GSP works to create a tight knit community. Our programming is a space where students can have fun, engage with each other, and make connections!
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P HI
S
AD VI
TO RS
G IN
D M N EN A
45+ PEER MENTORS 215+ ALUMNI MENTORS
150+ REGIONAL VOLUNTEERS
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ALUMNI & PEER MENTORSHIP PEER MENTORSHIP
ALUMNI MENTORSHIP The Alumni Mentorship Program pairs upperclass students in GSP with Georgetown alumni. Mentor-mentee matches are made with both the students’ interests and mentors’ strengths in mind. The program’s benefit is two-fold: the student forms a personal connection with an alum who can provide guidance from their unique Georgetown experiences. In turn, the mentor gains a different perspective on the experiences of our incredible students and gets to personally witness one student's awesome journey. Through calls, campus visits, and in-person check-ins, mentors offer invaluable advice and encouragement. They often say they learn even more from their mentees!
Peer mentorship is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the success of firstgeneration college students. GSP offers an extensive mentoring program that pairs new students with upperclass students who help them navigate their transition and the first-year college experience. Mentors are carefully selected and undergo training which prepares them to serve as an important resource for new students. To foster the relationship, the program hosts fun activities every semester and mentors receive a small stipend for social outings with their mentee.
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ADVISING GSP 101
STAFF ADVISING
WELLNESS
GSP 101s are sessions that are specifically tailored for first-year GSP students, held by GSP staff members and GSP upperclass students. The goals of these workshops are (1) to acquaint students with GSP and its resources and (2) to set them up with tangible skills for success throughout their time at Georgetown.
At the core of our work, we aim to center the student experience. We provide ongoing individual, personalized, student support. GSP advisors typically meet with GSP students in one‐on-one appointments for quick questions, in-depth concerns, or any other problems that may arise.
All students have access to a wide array of wellness resources across campus! From Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) to Health Education Services (HES)! We aim to host programming throughout the year focused on wellness and often partner with these offices and others. These resources are designed to alleviate stressors so that students can have a more positive college experience.
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REGIONAL NETWORK The GSP Regional Network Program allows current students and young alumni to easily identify Georgetown/GSP volunteers and alumni in their home region. This network benefits GSP students and alumni tremendously by providing a local community space for networking. Our amazing volunteers sometimes host fun events and go above and beyond to help current students and young grads. The regional network coordinators cultivate a ready-made support network for recent graduates. Currently, there are nine regional networks throughout the country (plus a network for our international students!). Each region has a dedicated regional coordinator who is responsible for coordinating events and new engagement opportunities with volunteers in local areas.
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FINANCIAL RESOURCES
In addition to a standard financial aid package, which enables students to attend Georgetown, GSP offers additional financial resources. GSP has a fully endowed Necessity Fund for micro-grants which can help cover unexpected expenses that can arise for our students. Medical Grants
Grocery Grants
Tutoring Grants
as needed
as needed
as needed
First-Year Grants
Mental Health Grants
as needed
Funded entirely through philanthropy, the GSP Necessity Grant is a funding source through which students can access microgrants for emergencies, tutoring expenses, grocery stipends during breaks when the dining hall is closed, winter coats, and more! The fund can be utilized for anything outside of expenses calculated into the cost of attendance. Providing funding for these hidden expenses has proven to be critical to students' persistence and retention.
Professional Development micro-grants are available to upperclass students. These grants help offset professional development-related costs such as: professional attire, prep class fees and materials for exams like the MCAT or LSAT, and more! Recent efforts include increasing the grant amounts to offset the costs of the expensive medical school application process.
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ADVOCACY COLLABORATION GSP works with Georgetown faculty & staff for a "whole institution" approach to student support. We strive for greater awareness of first-generation and/or low-income (FGLI) students' experiences among faculty and deans, including working with Georgetown's First-Generation Faculty and Staff Initiative. GSP staff actively work with a national community of student success professionals to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of FGLI students across the U.S.
MASTERING THE HIDDEN CURRICULUM (MHC) GSP offers a two-credit, pass/fail course, "MHC," designed to help students navigate the new college environment. From using office hours to discussing the role of a Dean, this class helps to demystify the hidden curriculum of the college experience with the firstgeneration student experience in mind. At the end of the semester, students will have gained knowledge of Georgetown support systems, tools available for academic empowerment, and a greater understanding and awareness of their identity. “Mastering the Hidden Curriculum made me more comfortable with my identities and with my ability to succeed at Georgetown. The assignments are meant to be stress-free. They're made to have you reflect on your identities, your past and experiences, and what it all means moving forward at Georgetown." - Dalvyn Velez C'23
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#GSPROUD The GSProud Campaign was started by our Student Board several years ago to allow students to publicly selfidentify as first-generation and/or low-income. The Student Board hosts empowering events and spearheads a large social media campaign to both increase the visibility of the community and bring attention to the contributions and achievements of FGLI students across campus. The narratives shared highlight the incredible successes of students and alumni in the GSP community. This week of events has included art shares, community dinners, workshops, discussions on how to make Georgetown more class-inclusive, and more.
“I am #GSPROUD because we are breaking generational barriers.” - Marlene Mora, COL '23 “I am #ProudToBeGSP because FGLI students are deserving of celebration and visibility." - Michelle Reyazzudin, COL '23 "I am #GSProud because we are a haven for diversity and inclusivity." - Maria Paredes, SFS '23
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SENIOR FEATURES
94% GRADUATION RATE 2000+ GRADS
GSP CELEBRATION GRADUATION To celebrate the achievements of GSP graduating seniors and recognize the support of their loved ones, GSP holds a graduation celebration every year during Commencement Weekend. The memorable and uplifting event includes congratulatory speeches from members of the GSP Advisory Board and reflections from GSP seniors.
SENIOR GRANTS AND INITIATIVES Our program provides seniors a micro-grant that helps offset graduation costs (regalia, travel costs for family & loved ones, Senior Ball, etc.), or that can be used for expenses that seniors may accrue as they prepare to leave the Hilltop. In addition to this microgrant, we provide exclusive funds for professional attire that seniors can utilize for their post-graduate work plans.
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Post-graduate Education Many trailblazers in our program continue on in their academic endeavors and pursue postgraduate degrees at top universities!
GRADUATE SCHOOLS ATTENDED University of Oxford Harvard University Stanford University John Hopkins University University of Pennsylvania Columbia University University of Michigan Georgetown University Duke University University of Virginia Mayo Clinic Saint Louis University Brown University Princeton University Dartmouth College Programs include, but are not limited to: law, medicine, social work, education, business administration, public policy, journalism, etc.
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Post-graduate Outcomes We have seen many of our graduates successfully pursue renowned fellowships and honors.
POST-GRADUATE HONORS AND AWARDS Boren Fellowship Fulbright Scholarship Gates Cambridge Scholarship Program Gilman International Scholarship Lena Landegger Community Service Award Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Phi Beta Kappa Fellowship Rhodes Scholarship Soros Fellowship Truman Scholarship Many of our graduates also go on to have successful careers and join prestigious companies like Google and UBS across various sectors. GSP is proud of the unique journeys our graduates embark on after their time on the Hilltop and of their successes. This growing alumni community is a special network that current students can tap into as well!
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ALUMNI FEATURES ALUMNI GATHERINGS
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we often host alumni parties to bring our GSP Grads back to DC for a night of fun!
Our program would not be where it is today without our thoughtful and engaged alumni base. From serving as alumni mentors to participating in virtual and in-person panels, we are proud to have such an active alumni base that is always ready to give back to the community!
We have hosted fun socials in quintessential settings around the city! We hope to continue building up these traditions with each graduating class to celebrate just how far we, as a community, have come.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
HALYN ORELLANA (N’22) What were your interests and hobbies throughout your undergraduate years? Have you found that you are still pursuing them in your personal or professional life? I developed an interest in addressing health inequities through research, participating in CURA (a pre-health orientation program at Georgetown), and volunteering. My experiences with communities facing health disparities made me a part of something bigger than myself. I have continued to make strides to aid marginalized communities, more specifically, by using my Spanishspeaking skills to translate medical information for non-english speakers. In my fast-paced undergraduate years, I often didn't find time to meet my fitness goals. Thankfully now that I have a bit more structure in my schedule, I find strength training and my 10K training program to be the best parts of my week. I’m happy to be able to pursue these interests and hobbies more now.
Looking back, what mantra did you live by that you feel would best impact current or future FGLI students at an institution like Georgetown? “I can do it.” You have to tell yourself that everyday. That's what I told myself. You can very easily lose sight of your potential when you're in the middle of exams, managing competing deadlines, and balancing the demands of extracurricular activities. Give yourself grace during those difficult moments and remind yourself of how far you've come and how much more you can accomplish by simply telling yourself you can. At Georgetown you will find a community that will support you, cheer you on, and motivate you. On campus communities like GSP will remind you of your immense value and can provide you resources to excel. Tap into opportunities that will give you the extra boost you need. Nevertheless, it all starts with you. The power of an "I can" speaks your dreams and goals into existence. Your life at Georgetown and beyond greatly relies on your ability to believe you can.
Please tell us a little about your current role and the path you took to get there. In what ways do you feel your experiences on campus prepared you for where you are today? My early life experiences informed my desire to pursue a career in medicine but Georgetown was the place where I developed my passion for it alongside research. My mentors at Georgetown pushed me to be the best version of myself for my future patients. With their help, I have learned to mold my interests to align with my values. After graduation, I decided to work as a Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Awardee at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease to gain more clinical experience before entering medical school. In my current role I have been afforded opportunities to connect with patients, conduct research, and work with some of the leading physicians and scientists in the field of immunology. I largely owe my success to the support of my communities on the Hilltop. GSP welcomed me into a family of inspirational, kind, and supportive students and staff, which made Georgetown so much more than just a place to learn. Georgetown faculty and scientists poured their time and effort into teaching me and invested in me as a student. I could not be where I am today without them and for that I am grateful.
MEET HALYN ! Pronouns: she /her Hometown: Prince George's County, Maryland School | Grad Year: NHS '22 Major: Human Science Profession: Research Fellow at The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease
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gsp.georgetown.edu
202-687-7351
gsphoyas@georgetown.edu