$1,000 Scholarship
Applications Open to Become FOCUS Scholar
Apply now! Applications close on January 24!

• Are you a 2nd year or sophomore?
• Are you a first-generation student?
• Are you a member of an underrepresented group such as African American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Latinx, Pacific Islander, etc.?

If you answered yes, you are eligible to apply to become a FOCUS Scholar.

FOCUS is an intensive semester-long program created to aid in eliminating the gap in post-graduation outcomes and starting salaries between underrepresented, first-generation students and their peers to positively impact their career trajectory, earnings potential, and economic security for years to come. FOCUS Scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship! FOCUS includes workshops and site visits to help you:

• Explore a wide variety of occupations and careers
• Foster development of critical career readiness competencies expected by employers
• Cultivate a professional network of mentors and advocates
• Create tools to confidently communicate their knowledge and skills
• Identify affirming work environments
• Compete for vital professional experiences
• Negotiate initial offers to secure salary and benefits

To learn more, join us for a FOCUS Information Session on January 24, 2024, 3:30 -4:30 p.m. at The Career Center, located at 715 S. Wright St.

For questions, please contact Dr. Pankaj Desai at pankaj1@illinois.edu.