First-Year Heritage Scholars

Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion
Programs, Initiatives and Services
First-Year Heritage Scholars

Dance performance at the 2019 Taylor Center Open House

The Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion offers a year-long orientation program to first-year students of color and Indigenous students.

As part of the program, each new student will be matched to a First-Year Ambassador, upper-class student of color, who will serve as a guide and resource to help students navigate their first year at St. Olaf College.

During the academic year we have off campus cultural and fun events, opportunities to build community and workshops on topics that will support your success as an Ole.

Funding Opportunities:

Johnson Family Opportunity Fund
International and Off Campus Studies scholarships
Student Emergency Fund
Piper Center for Vocation and Career/Funding Resources
EMERGE (for academically talented students with documented financial need who plan to major in either Biology or Chemistry)

Campus Resources and Opportunities

Counseling Center: COVID-19 Managing Concerns
International and Off Campus Studies: Equity Resources
Center for Advising and Academic Support (CAAS): Multilingual Student Support
Disability and Access

What to Expect

ENGAGE!

We provide opportunities for students in the program to connect within and outside of The Hill with individuals and spaces that intentionally create authentic communities and present the diversity within our communities.

DEVELOP!

Students participate in workshops that enhance their development as students, leaders and community members. The workshops are led by professionals and leaders in diverse communities adding an additional layer of mentorship and role modeling.

CONNECT!

We intentionally work with faculty and staff whose main goal is to support multicultural students by providing initiatives, research opportunities, and engagement through the arts and sciences. These programs explore the potential of students by integrating their identities into every aspect of the work. Students choose a mentor in a way that is organic and connected to who they are and who they want to be.

BE MENTORED!

First-Year Heritage Scholars are multicultural upper class students who work closely with a cohort of incoming domestic multicultural students to enhance their sense of belonging, provide resources and opportunities, and guide as they navigate the College culture and different opportunities.