IU Kokomo's Groups Scholars program prepares students for success

As the first in his family to go to college, Izaac McNew was unsure what to expect.

He got an inside look at life at Indiana University Kokomo this summer by joining the Groups Scholars program.

“Nobody else in my family has done this, so I thought it was a good opportunity to see what I need to do,” said McNew, from Lafayette. “It helps me see now how it’s going to be, so I know what to do this fall.”

McNew is one of 28 students participating in the 2025 Groups Scholars cohort, which provides academic, financial, and social support to first-generation students, and those who are members of underrepresented communities across the IU system. The program helps them become more familiar with the campus environment and develop a social network and support system to help them succeed.

Groups Scholars focuses on the first year, because success in the first year makes it more likely students will remain in college to graduate said Victoria Ducret, associate director of student success, adding that 11 of the 28 Scholars have identified themselves as first-generation college students.

“Our goal is to increase success and retention of these students who have historically faced more barriers to completing and persisting in college,” she said. “We know the extra support in the summer before they come for their first year helps them be more successful.”

During the six-week summer session, students take a three-credit class — either Introduction to Sociology, taught by Nicholas Baxter, assistant professor of sociology, or Topics in Environmental Chemistry: Sustainability, taught by Brandon Wysong, lecturer in biology. They also take a one-credit, first-year success seminar taught by adjunct faculty members Brandi Keith and Gabby Pearson Mora, which teaches them the ropes of going to college, finding campus resources, financial planning, and wellness. The class, as well as field trips to places like the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, and other locations, provides opportunities to begin building community and finding friends – a crucial part of college success.

“I really like that they are enjoying their experience together,” Ducret said. “That can impact their wanting to stay here and feeling like they belong.”

The support continues beyond the summer, too. Participating students receive a $500 scholarship for their first two semesters and a laptop, as well as a faculty mentor and continued support during the year. They can then serve as mentors for upcoming cohorts. In the future, Ducret hopes to have funding available for scholarships beyond the first year.

Kiera Rosenow, Peru, said she has appreciated being able to make connections with faculty, staff, and her classmates as part of Groups Scholars.

“We’ve been able to talk to people, we learn about what a college class is like, and we’re exploring and meeting people,” she said. “That’s setting us up for the next four years.”

Jaylin Salas-Gomez said it’s a good first college experience.

“It’s a good way to ease into college life and be prepared for the next four years,” the Lafayette resident said. “I feel like I know the campus better for sure. We have support from teachers we had this summer, so we know we can go to them if we need help.”

Karter Jackson, from Clinton, said being on campus when it’s less busy gave him a chance to learn how to navigate.

“I’ve been able to explore as an incoming freshman, and see what it holds, and the opportunities it has,” he said. “The staff and the students are really helpful. They’re kind and caring and are here to help.”

Ducret said her goal is for students to feel supported as they prepare to begin the fall semester.

“They’re getting lined up with resources they might need in their first year to be successful,” she said. “My goal is for everyone to leave with one person they know and trust, and they know that person will help them keep going. Those community connections are important.”

For more information, go to kokomo.iu.edu/groups-scholars

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.