The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is committed to eliminating the gap in post-graduation outcomes and starting salaries for first-generation students and their peers. At U. of I., a first-generation student is defined as someone for whom “neither parent nor guardian have earned at least a bachelor's degree.” For the FOCUS program, this pervasive gap provides an on-going opportunity: to support U. of I. students’ career trajectories, future earning potential and economic security for years to come. This goal is not just a lofty idea. This university-wide mission is built into the program’s name: Fostering Opportunity, Community, and Unwavering Support.
A collaborative partnership between The Career Center and the Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success, the FOCUS program is made possible through the financial support of State Farm Insurance and other invested contributors. An intensive semester-long program, FOCUS strives to create positive post-graduation outcomes for students as they launch their careers and professional lives. The program includes meaningful exposure to employers and engagement with real-world hiring processes through workshops and employer site visits.
Cultivating professional readiness
Students involved in the program attend a weekly in-person class session and commit up to three hours per week on workshops and assignments designed to support their career development. During their involvement in the program, students also receive up to $1,000 per semester to lessen the financial burden.
In 2024-2025, 222 students applied to be part of FOCUS, with 33 percent of applicants accepted into the program. 37 students participated in the fall semester and 36 students participated in spring semester. FOCUS moved to a new model of instruction in 2024, switching from year-round program instruction and support to a semester-based format. With both in-person and online learning components available via the platform Canvas, this change offered program instructors and facilitators’ increased capacity to serve a greater number of students throughout the year, track the learning trajectory of the FOCUS Scholars and provide timely feedback.
“Working with the FOCUS program has deepened my understanding that supporting first-generation students requires multifaceted approaches,” said Dr. Pankaj Desai, Senior Assistant Director of Inclusion Initiatives at The Career Center, and FOCUS program director. “A blended model of peer and professional mentorship, combined with structured opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals and reflect on their own identities, cultivates both professional readiness and a strong, supportive community essential for first-generation student success.”
Building a network of support
This community of support includes Desai, Assistant Director of Inclusion Initiatives Grace Yun, a graduate assistant and seven undergraduate peer mentors, known as FOCUS Mentors. The program is additionally supported by other career coaches from The Career Center who engage with the program. Jennifer Mendez, Director of First Generation Student Initiatives at the Jeffries Center provides programmatic support during the FOCUS Mentor recruitment process.
As former FOCUS Scholars themselves, the FOCUS mentors, alongside program staff members, provide individualized guidance, instruction and career advising for current Scholars. In turn, the FOCUS mentors receive compensation, as well as the freedom to grow in their own leadership skills and career readiness competencies.
Mentors are trained to lead presentations and workshops—past topics include “Building a Strong Foundation: Identity-Centered Career Planning for First-Gen Students” and “Inclusivity @ Work: Discovering and Building Inclusive Workplaces.” Mentors also facilitate discussions and conduct one-on-one advising meetings with FOCUS scholars throughout the program.
"As a FOCUS scholar, I was able to network with other students in a similar career path. I’m pre-law so it was awesome to meet other students with the same aspirations of practicing law in the future,” said Alan Cervantes, a member of the fall 2023 cohort, who majored in Political Science with minors in Global Labor Studies and Philosophy. “Our mentor (who was also pre-law) frequently informed us of law-related opportunities, and it helped to get a head start.”
In spring 2025, the first FOCUS Network Social was held for students in the program to connect with program alumni and other professionals supporting first-generation student career development programming. Students are also encouraged to join the program’s LinkedIn page, where former and current scholars are in conversation.
Making real-world impact
For many participants, the FOCUS program is the first step on their professional journey. At the end of their experience, however, they are well-equipped to take their careers to the next level. According to the latest program assessment data, all FOCUS participants reported increased awareness of career opportunities, improved confidence in job search and interview skills, and a better understanding of how their skills, values and interests connect to their career goals.
“91 percent of scholars felt more confidence in their resumes,” said Desai. “Additionally, 95 percent of scholars cultivated a professional network and developed a sense of belonging.”
This sense of unwavering support from a committed community of students, staff and program alumni enables FOCUS Scholars to continue along their professional path with confidence.
“FOCUS has empowered me to embrace my journey as a First-Gen student and equipped me with the tools to excel in any professional arena,” said Jamari McClendon, fall 2023 cohort member, who majored in Recreation, Sport & Tourism with a concentration in Sports Management. “It taught me to break my barriers, to ask for help, and to go after every opportunity that comes my way without hesitation.”
