The Brenda Grier-Miller Scholars Program

Are you the first in your family to attend college? Are you anxious about what to expect and would like some guidance along the way? If you said yes, the Brenda Grier-Miller Scholars (BGM) program might be a good fit for you!

Brenda Grier-Miller speaks to first year students at the FGIE Reception 2023 — Brenda Grier-Miller speaks to first-year FGIE students at the FGIE Welcome Reception in 2023. *Photo credit: John Seyfried.*

Overview

The Brenda Grier-Miller Scholars (BGM) program was created to provide first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) students an opportunity to build community, gain access to resources, and learn to navigate the college environment together. BGM offers holisitic and proactive support to participating students by connecting them with the Oberlin campus and community during a summer orientation session before classes begin.

First-year students who meet the initial qualifications and who are not part of another cohort-based program (STRONG, Bonner, or Posse) will be invited to apply to the program in early summer. BGM Scholars learn about Oberlins academic expectations, campus culture, and explore campus and community resources. Opportunities are provided to engage with other first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) students, staff and faculty in order to build community and belonging - an important part of a successful collegiate experience. Up to 15 first-year students will be selected as incoming scholars.

"Being a BGM Scholar helps me feel like I really belong at Oberlin. Not only does the program provide amazing resources to help me adjust to and thrive at Oberlin as a first-generation, high need student, but the people involved are like family. Some of my first and best friends at Oberlin I met through BGM, and I wouldn't have it any other way!"

-Jess, ‘23

The Brenda Grier Miller (BGM) Scholars program is a program designed and managed solely by Oberlin College and Conservatory through the Center for Student Success. It is not affiliated with any national entity or program.

The benefits of joining the BGM Scholars program are:

Community support before classes begin
Meeting other students who have similar experiences
Getting a head start on understanding collegiate life
Learning about various resources and where to find them
Opportunities for connection and mentorship
An annual book and supply stipend

BGM scholars are expected fulfill three requirements in order to gain the benefits of the program:

Attend a pre-orientation program prior to the start of classes: Information about the pre-orientation program will be sent via email in July.
Enroll in LEAD 110: This required BGM Scholars course is a 2-credit co-curricular class in the fall that covers topics of interest for first-year FGIE students.
Interact and engage with Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are here to support you, and dedicate a lot of time and energy to build events and activities for first-year FGIE students to thrive. Read their emails - they cover a lot of neccessary information!

As a result of the BGM Scholar program, students will be able to:

Identify and utilize various campus resources.
Increase and apply interpersonal skills.
Expand their social support network by connecting with the first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) campus community.
Build a sense of belonging to Oberlin College.

History of the BGM Scholars Program

Brenda Grier-Miller (the program's namesake) served Oberlin students for 24 years. A social worker by training, Brenda came to Oberlin in 1993 as a TRIO advisor: a federal grant-funded program that supports first-generation and income-eligible students and students with diverse abilities. Later promoted to Associate Dean of Student Academic Services and Director of Student Support Services, she worked tirelessly to create opportunities for marginalized students and those often underrepresented in higher education to thrive. Brenda emphasized the importance of social development and challenged students to take full advantage of their college experience. She retired from her role in 2016. BGM Scholars began in her honor in 2018 and has served four cohorts of first-year students.

“If students only came to further their intellectual ability, then when they left here in four years they’d be very stunted. You all are going to go places and do things; you are going to make differences,” she said. “I find it important to help you in that process.”