The Brenda Grier-Miller (BGM) Scholars Program

The Brenda Grier-Miller Scholars Program identifies and supports incoming first-generation and income-eligible students who would welcome additional support in navigating their collegiate journey. The BGM Scholars Program is unique to Oberlin College & Conservatory and provides enrolled Scholars with social, academic, and financial support during their time on campus.

Brenda Grier-Miller speaks to first year students at the FGIE Reception 2023 — Brenda Grier-Miller speaks to first-year FGIE students at the FGIE Welcome Reception in 2023. *Photo credit: John Seyfried.*

Overview

The Brenda Grier-Miller (BGM) Scholars program offers holistic and proactive support to participating first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) first-year students. Participating Scholars are provided with opportunities for early engagement with the campus community, financial assistance to offset the cost of academic books and supplies, and a co-curricular course that decodes the various facets of college life. The BGM Scholars Program currently serves approximately sixty students in total, and contributes to community and belonging among FGIE first-year students.

"Being a BGM Scholar helps me feel like I really belong at Oberlin. Not only does the program provide amazing resources to help me adjust to and thrive at Oberlin as a first-generation, high-need student, but the people involved are like family. Some of my first and best friends at Oberlin I met through BGM, and I wouldn't have it any other way!"
-Jess, ‘23

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.

As a result of enrolling in and completing the Brenda Grier-Miller Scholars Program, students will be able to:

Use asset-based thinking to navigate academic challenges.
Identify and utilize various campus resources.
Expand their social support network.

Why join?

Meet peers and mentors who have similar experiences
A mini-grant to offset the costs of academic supplies
Community support
Explore campus resources

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

Attend BGM Scholars 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.
Complete LEAD 110: BGM Scholars: LEAD 110 is a 2-credit co-curricular course in the first semester that covers topics of interest for first-year FGIE students. Accepted Scholars will be enrolled in this course prior to course registration. 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 build resilience.

BGM Scholars are expected to arrive for Pre-Orientation 2026 no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, August 17th. Pre-Orientation activities will take place from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm August 18- 21, prior to the start of New Student Orientation.

Accepted Scholars should watch their Oberlin email for further details throughout the summer. Questions regarding BGM Scholars Orientation can be directed to css@oberlin.edu.

All BGM Scholars receive a mini-grant each semester while enrolled to help offset the costs of academic supplies. The grant paperwork must be filled out in person at the start of each academic year during the BGM Scholars Meet and Greet. BGM Scholars are responsible for making arrangements to pick up the grant paperwork if they cannot attend the Meet and Greet. Grant paperwork must be in no later than October 1 each year for processing.

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