Selection into to the CARE's Programs

FSU Leads the Way for First-Gen Success

FSU hosted its second annual Horizon's Unlimited Conference in Spring 2025 to support first-generation, transfer and student athletes. .

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Becoming A CARE Student

Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE) is committed to supporting students as they begin, navigate, and thrive in their college journey. Whether you are preparing to start your first semester at FSU or looking for added guidance and community during your FSU undergraduate career, CARE offers programs designed to help you succeed.

Our Transition Programs, Summer Bridge, QUEST, and Illuminate, provide first-generation students, Pell-eligible students or students from select high schools/ communities with a strong start through academic resources, tailored support, and campus connection. Students can only be in one of our Transition Programs. Our Enhancement Programs, Unconquered Scholars and Student Support Services, offer continued support, resources, and advocacy to help you reach your goals at FSU and beyond. 

Below you will find qualifications for each program and relevant applications processes. Take time to explore the programs, review eligibility requirements, and prepare any documents needed for consideration. 

 

Summer Bridge

The Summer Bridge Program allows students to begin their collegiate journey with seven weeks on campus the summer before your first fall semester year. Your summer experience will include taking courses, building community, and learning how to navigate college with the support of CARE staff, faculty, and peer mentors. You will receive support until graduation. 

Who is eligible for Summer Bridge?

  • First-generation college students (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree) AND
  • Students with financial need (Pell-eligible) AND
  • Incoming first-year student who is also a Florida resident

Application and Selection:

  1.  Complete FSU Application and indicate "YES" for interest in the CARE Summer Bridge Program on your admissions application. 

  2. Submit the CARE Summer Bridge Supplemental Application on your Admissions Portal by the deadline (includes short essay questions).

  3. Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. You need 2025-2026 for Summer 2026 funding and 2026-2027 for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 funding.

  4. Provide all requested information or documents (high school transcript, test scores if applicable).

  5. The Office of Admissions and CARE will review your materials to make a final decision.

 

QUEST Scholars Program

 

QUEST provides students with support and opportunities to transition through FSU successfully. QUEST students begin in Summer or Fall semester with access to workshops, peer support, and individualized student support. 

Who It’s For:

  • First-generation college students (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree) OR
  • Students from Select Schools/ Communities (i.e. High School Partners)
  • Incoming first-year student

How to Apply:

  1.  Complete FSU Application and indicate "YES" for interest in the QUEST Scholars Program on your admissions application. 

  2. Provide all requested information or documents (high school transcript, test scores if applicable).

  3. CARE will invite students offered admission to FSU to students to become an QUEST Scholar.

 

Illuminate Scholars Program

 

Illuminate provides students with support and opportunities to develop into outstanding FSU students and leaders. Illuminate students begin in Summer or Fall semester with access to workshops, peer support, and individualized student support. 

Who It’s For:

  • Pell-Grant Eligible Students
  • Incoming first-year student

How to Apply:

  1.  Complete FSU Application and indicate "YES" for interest in the Illuminate Scholars Program on your admissions application. 

  2. Provide all requested information or documents (high school transcript, test scores if applicable).

  3. CARE will invite students offered admission to FSU to students to become an Illuminate Scholar.

 

Student Support Services

 

Student Support Services, SCOPE or STEM, provide additional support and engagement opportunities for students to maximize their potential at FSU. Students benefit from graduate school and industry tours, individualized support, graduate school preparation resources, workshops, tutoring and advising.

Who It’s For:

  • First Generation Students OR Pell-Grant Eligible Students
  • Incoming first-year student, Continuing student OR Transfer Students

How to Apply:

  1.  Complete SSS Application available beginning September 1.

 

Unconquered Scholars Program

 

Unconquered Scholars provides guidance, mentorship, and resources to students as they persist towards degree attainment. Students benefit from developmental workshops, individualized support, community building, community partnerships, and leadership development.

Who It’s For:

  • Students with experience in foster care, relative care, or ward of the state status OR
  • Students experiencing housing insecurity (homelessness) 
  • Incoming first-year student, Continuing student OR Transfer Students

How to Apply:

  1.  Complete Unconquered Scholars Intake Form available beginning August 25.