The Brenda Grier-Miller Scholars Program

If you're an incoming first-generation or income-eligible (Pell-eligible) Obie who could use a bit of extra support in your first semster on campus, the Brenda Grier-Miller (BGM) Scholars 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 provides first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) students an opportunity to build community, gain access to resources, and creates a cohort of peers who navigate the collegiate environment together. BGM Scholars offers holisitic and proactive support to participating students by connecting them with the Oberlin campus and community during a summer orientation before classes begin.

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

"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:

BGM Scholar grant for financial support
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

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 "F1RST at Oberlin" 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 returning FGIE students trained to support first year students, and dedicate a lot of time and energy to build events and activities for FGIE students to thrive.

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

Apply personal strengths.
Utilize various campus resources.
Expand their social support network.

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.”