The Brenda Grier-Miller (BGM) Scholars Program

Why join?

• Meet other students who have similar experiences
• A mini grant to offset the costs of academic supplies
• Community support before classes begin
• Explore campus resources
• Opportunities for connection and mentorship

Brenda Grier-Miller Scholars are expected to fulfill four requirements in order to gain the full benefits of the program:

• Attend pre-orientation: Pre-orientation takes place before classes begin each fall semester, and participating students experience a wide array of activities that help prepare them for life on campus. Information regarding the pre-orientation program will be sent to qualifying students via email in the spring.
• Enroll in LEAD 110: BGM Scholars: LEAD 110 is a 2-credit co-curricular class in the first semester that covers topics of interest for first-year FGIE students. Students can find it in the Oberlin course catalog to register. Passing the course is required in order to receive the mini grant for all four years.
• Attend Peer Mentor monthly meetings: Peer Mentors are returning FGIE students trained to support first-year students through events and activities designed to foster community and academic resilience.

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

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

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 six 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.”