Futuro Scholars Living Learning Community
The Futuro Scholars Living Learning Community brings together first-generation students who are part of OLLU’s Futuro Leaders Scholarship Program. Scholars begin their experience living together in Flores Hall, sharing a first-year course and building connections through leadership development and service. The community supports students as they find their place at OLLU and put their leadership into practice.
The Futuro experience
As a member of the community, you will:
- Live with fellow Futuro Scholars in Flores Hall during your first year.
- Take a shared first-year course with your cohort.
- Participate in required leadership sessions and service activities throughout the academic year.
- Develop communication, teamwork and professional skills through cohort workshops.
- Connect with university leadership through program mentorship sessions.
- Learn from scholars in other cohorts and contribute to the wider OLLU community.
Living in Flores Hall
Futuro Scholars are required to live in Flores Hall during their first year. After the first year, scholars may explore other campus housing options, including Slater Apartments, subject to eligibility and availability. The scholarship program requires scholars to continue living on campus and maintain a university meal plan throughout their undergraduate studies. Room and board are not included in the scholarship.
Beyond the first year
Your connection to Futuro continues beyond your first year in Flores Hall. Scholars remain part of their cohort and participate in required program activities as they progress through college.
Inside the cohort experience
Examples below demonstrate how scholars learn with and from one another.
- Understanding yourself and working with others. The True Colors leadership session focused on how students process information and work with people whose personality styles differ from their own.
- Sharing advice across cohorts. The letter-writing session invited scholars to share first-year lessons, advice for success and what they wished they had known with the newest cohort.
- Preparing for professional connections. Leadership programming has included a LinkedIn session and also development of résumés, elevator pitches, and networking skills.
Student stories
Isabella Garza
I am from San Antonio, Texas currently a junior and I am majoring in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science and minoring in Psychology.
Being a Futuro Scholar has meant a lot to me because it has given me the opportunity to pursue my goal of attending college as a first-generation student. The scholarship has not only provided me with financial support but also surrounded me with a community of individuals who value their education and are motivated to succeed. Living and learning alongside my cohort during my first year helped me transition to college easier. College can feel intimidating, especially when you are in an unfamiliar environment but being around people who share similar experiences as I also helped me build friendships. I am grateful to be a part of a community where we encourage one another to grow.
One of my most memorable experiences as a Futuro Scholar was meeting everyone in our cohort for the first time. I remember President Chávez giving us a speech about how we are the future leaders of this world and reminding us of the importance of staying true to our values. Hearing those words made me feel proud to be part of the cohort and motivated me to continue growing as a leader.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to pursue my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. My goal is to have a career where I can make a positive difference in people’s lives by helping individuals gain their independence and improve their overall quality of life. OLLU has helped prepare me for this next chapter by providing a supportive learning environment where professors take the time to get to know their students, understand their goals, and help them reach those goals.
I would tell prospective students that being a first-generation college student should empower you rather than intimidate you. You belong in spaces of higher education, and you are just as capable of achieving your goals as anyone else. I would also encourage anyone considering the Futuro program to take advantage of every opportunity and build connections within your cohort.
Michael Cepeda
I am from Pleasanton, Texas currently a freshman studying Criminal justice and Criminology, pursuing my interest in law, criminal justice, and the legal system.
Being a Futuro scholar has given me the opportunity to pursue my education in an environment that I can be successful in. This scholarship has helped support my college education and encouraged me to take advantage of opportunities that will help me grow academically and professionally. Being a Futuro scholar reminds me that spending time working on my education is an important step towards accomplishing my goals and making a difference in my community.
The Futuro community has given me the opportunity to connect with other students who are also working to accomplish their goal. Being a part of a living-learning community makes you feel welcomed because you have people who understand the challenges that come with starting this new chapter. Encouraging me to go outside my comfort zone and get involved allowing me to become closer to the OLLU community.
A mentor experience that has been especially meaningful to me would be the basketball unveiling with Roy Tericcina, we attended the event it gave me an exposure to what it feels like to attend a formal event. They featured us as this year’s Futuro cohort, it made me feel proud, like I made the right decision for a university to pursue my goals.
My long-term goal is to become a member of the federal congress and make a positive impact on the legal system and environment, by improving policies and regulations that affect individuals and communities. OLLU is helping prepare me for my career by involving me in events where I can grow my professional skills.
I would encourage any student considering the Futuro program to take advantage of the opportunity, the Futuro program offers so much support and gives you access to an education without the stress of having to afford paying tuition. The Futuro program exposes you to so many opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone and build your skills. The living learning community will give you a chance to get involved and build relationships. This scholarship is an opportunity to grow into the person you want to become.
Scholarship and participation
The Futuro Leaders Scholarship covers tuition and fees for up to four undergraduate years, subject to renewal requirements. Housing and meal costs are separate. Visit the Admissions program page for eligibility, application steps and renewal requirements.
Explore the Futuro Leaders Scholarship