First Islander Scholars' Academy
About Us
First Islander Scholars’ Academy is an Office of Student Success initiative to provide additional support to first-generation college students. For the purpose of the First Islander Scholars’ Academy, first-generation students are defined as college students whose parent(s) or guardian(s) have not obtained a bachelor’s degree. This program offers academic support and community engagement opportunities to enrich the student’s college experience.
Mission: The First Islander Scholars Academy (FISA) is committed to giving first-generation students academic, social, and community support to enrich their college experience, enhance their learning opportunities, and improve their ability to persist and graduate.
Vision: Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree is attainable for all FISA participants. Our vision is to increase the number of first-generation student graduates to levels equal to or higher than the number of continuing generation student graduates.
Welcome
First Islander Scholars’ Academy (FISA) provides first-generation college students with peer mentorship, social events, opportunities to participate in community service, and professional support. FISA Mentors aim to answer any question first-generation students may have on their path to graduation. Mentors cover a wide variety of topics ranging from academic supports and resources to support with interpersonal relationships.
Students who join FISA will be assigned to the appropriate tier that matches their needs. Tiers are decided depending on a student’s classification and the number of credit hours they have earned.
- Tier 1 – Basic College Skills focuses on connecting students to campus resources, teaching academic skills, and getting students comfortable on the college campus. This tier is comprised of students with less than 30 credit hours and first semester transfer students.
- Tier 2 – Preparing for the Future focuses on understanding your major and career options. In this tier, you will begin looking at internships or learn about graduate school options. Mentors get to know the members and ensure they understand what their options are, and that they are successfully managing their academic tasks. This tier is comprised of students with 31-90 credit hours.
- Tier 3 – Professional Support focuses on preparing students to graduate and take the next steps. Students will get support in preparing their resumes, completing graduate school applications, and will connect with professionals from TAMU-CC and around the community. This tier is comprised of students with 90+ credit hours.
FISA works to meet student needs in various areas. FISA students can use the Connect 2 Success lounge in GSSC 108 to study or spend time between classes. The lounge also gives students access to a monitor students can use when working in a group, desktop computers, lap desks, and even games that students can play in their free time. FISA also shares a Supply Store with Island Harbor and the GTF Island Scholars Program. FISA students can request supplies such as markers, notebook paper, or even travel sized deodorant or hand sanitizer when they are facing an immediate need. FISA also will be offering a limited number of scholarships at the end of each semester. Eligibility for these scholarships are dependent on active membership. The number of scholarships and amounts are variable. Information regarding scholarships is communicated to students each semester.
Please read our Benefits and Joining the Academy tabs below to learn more about how to join FISA.
For questions about the First Islander Scholars Academy Program, please contact casa.FISA@tamucc.edu.