What Is President's Emerging Scholars?
President’s Emerging Scholars (PES) is a comprehensive collection of programs and services that support high-achieving, historically underserved students in their pursuit of a bachelor's degree at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
As a community, PES is made up mostly of students who are the first in their families to attend college and students from modest-income backgrounds. Older students, rural students, student parents, students for whom English is not their first language, and students with disabilities also find community in the program.
Program Benefits
PES students have access to:
Individualized Academic Advising
Individualized advising in their college of enrollment
Priority Registration
Early course registration each semester, allowing them to create schedules that better fit their needs, preferences, and interests
Scholarships
A $1,000 scholarship in their first and last years at the University. Additional scholarships set aside exclusively for PES students, including:
- Engagement Scholarship for internships, learning abroad, undergraduate research, and more
- Fund the Gap Scholarship for study abroad
- Fischer Family Scholarship for study abroad
- Funds offered in collaboration with partner organizations like the University of Minnesota Foundation
Peer Mentoring
A peer mentor who acts as a personal coach and friend for the first and second years of college
Success Coaching
Professional mentors who meet regularly with pre-selected PES students throughout their time at the University
Special Programs & Events
Courses and events set aside exclusively for PES students to aid in making life-long friends and building the 21st-century skills needed for college success, including:
- Emerge Summer STEM, a free three-week summer program for incoming students focused on STEM exploration, community building, and academic preparation
- Fall Conference, a welcome reception offered each fall for the purpose of building community and skills
- Courses and events offered by students’ college of enrollment
Eligibility
Students are selected for the PES community based on holistic review conducted by the Office of Admissions. Admitted students have strong academic and leadership experiences, connect in meaningful ways with their high schools and neighborhoods, and demonstrate resilience through their overcoming of personal and systemic barriers.
If you’re interested in being a member of the PES community, check the box in the Freshman Application indicating your interest in PES, and you’ll be considered (no guarantees!) for admission to the program.
