About Us
Our Program Consists of Five Key Phases:
- Phase I: 6th Grade Selection]
- Phase II: 7th and 8th Grades
- Phase III: 9th Grade
- Phase IV: 10th, 11th, & 12th Grades
- Phase V: Students at the University of Nevada, Reno
Each year a new group of 6th graders is selected by their teachers, counselors, and principles to participate in the Dean’s Future Scholars program.
Students in 6th Grade:
This phase is designed to encourage students to start thinking about and planning for college. Sixth-grade students are recruited from elementary schools to attend a day conference held on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Sixth grade is targeted because at that point students make crucial decisions about high school courses that will affect their ability to go to college. Students are selected by counselors, teachers, and principals of participating schools.
General selection criteria for Dean's Future Scholars are:
- Being ethnic minorities from low income families
- Being the first generation of a family to attend college;
- Demonstrating academic ability with potential for success in college
- Displaying good citizenship
- Active participation in school and preferably youth organizations
Students in 7th and 8th Grades:
Since Dean's Future Scholars is designed to be a long-term program, there is an ongoing effort to maintain close personal contact with participating students until they graduate from high school.
During Phase II, the Dean's Future Scholars students will return to the University of Nevada, Reno campus for a Spring Conference reunion and be exposed to a variety of positive role models from University of Nevada, Reno and the community. The continuation of student guidance, parent workshops and encouraging parents to participate actively in all areas of the Program will be a strong focus. Academic achievement will continue to be stressed and every effort is made to help the students believe that if they work hard, college is a possibility for them.
Students in 9th Grade:
This phase is designed to develop Dean's Future Scholars students’ interest in the University of Nevada, Reno, the College of Education, and the teacher education program. A conference will be held to expose the students to many of the areas of study at University of Nevada, Reno and a variety of positive role models from the University of Nevada, Reno and the community. Due to a difference in development and maturity, a separate conference will be conducted for 9th grade students in order to meet their specific needs and expectations.
Students in 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades:
Phase IV begins during the students’ final three years of school, including involvement in Future Teacher organizations and emphasis on academic requirements.
Another equally important emphasis during this phase is to help students plan for and arrange financial assistance to attend college. Students will return to University of Nevada, Reno to be informed of student support services, financial aid, and other university services available. A summer retreat will be conducted for seniors interested in the teacher education program at the University of Nevada, Reno prior to their first semester. This will help them get a good start in college.
Students at the University of Nevada, Reno:
This phase is designed to continue providing mentors, services and advisement for the students. A support system will be coordinated within the College of Education (to include faculty, staff, advisors, and student mentors) which will further assist the students in becoming successful in college.
During Phase V, the students become familiar with university services, including student support services, financial aid, and other appropriate services. In addition, students receive guidance from their university mentors. The college students continue their involvement with the Dean's Future Scholars program by becoming " Big Brothers or Sisters" to new sixth grade participants.