Center for Student Success
The Brenda Grier-Miller (BGM) Scholars Program
If you're an incoming first-generation or income-eligible (low-income) Obie who could use a bit of extra support in your first semster on campus, the Brenda Grier-Miller (BGM) Scholars program might be a good fit for you!

Overview
The Brenda Grier-Miller (BGM) Scholars program offers holisitic and proactive support to participating first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) students by connecting them with the Oberlin campus and community during a summer pre-orientation session. Opportunities are provided to engage with other first-generation and income-eligible students, staff and faculty in order to build community and belonging - an important part of a successful collegiate experience.
Incoming FGIE students who are not part of another cohort-based program (STRONG, Bonner, or Posse) will be invited to apply.
"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
Why join?
- Meet other students who have similar experiences
- A 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 fulfill three requirements in order to gain the benefits of the program:
- Attend a pre-orientation program prior to the start of classes: Information about the pre-orientation program will be sent via email in the spring.
- Enroll in LEAD 110 (F1RST at Oberlin): This course 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.
- Monthly meetings with Peer Mentors: Peer Mentors are returning FGIE students trained to support first year students, and dedicate a lot of time and energy to build events and activities for new students to thrive.
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.”
BGM Scholars Photo Gallery
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