FLI Vanderploeg Scholars

As part of the program, FLI Vanderploeg Scholars receive:

• Supportive community of professionals and peers
• Funding for high-impact learning practices such study abroad, internships, service learning, undergraduate research and more!
• Leadership and professional development
• Peer mentoring
• Advising and coaching from professionals 

Receiving high-impact practice funding will depend on your participation with the program. You must do the following in order to be eligible for funding and be considered an active member:

• Enroll in UGS-110 – we will have a section that is specifically for new FLI students
• Attend and participate in the Early Arrival Retreat with tentative dates of August 21-25
  • You will move in earlier than most students  
  • The retreat is an orientation-like, 4-day program to prepare you for your time at MSU
• Communicate and meet with your FLI mentor regularly
• Actively engage with the program by attending various social events and academic/wellbeing workshops.  
• Communicate with program staff regularly 

Program Criteria: The FLI Vanderploeg Program is open to in-state and out-of-state students of all majors. Transfer students are welcomed! To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Identify as a First-generation college student: Neither parent or guardian has graduated from a four-year college or university as reported by the FAFSA or on your MSU application.  
• Agree to fully participate and engage in the program  
• Be an incoming student to MSU for the Fall of 2026 (transfer students welcome)  
• Priority will be given to students who are Pell Recipients and/or have high financial need.  
• Pay your acceptance fee to Michigan State by May 1st 

The 2026 FLI Vanderploeg Scholars application is open! You will need your MSU NetID to log in to the application. Activate your NetID here if you haven't already done so. You can preview the application here.

Apply now

Submit your application by July 1, 2026 for priority consideration. We look forward to reviewing your application! For questions or inquiries, please email us at FLIscholars@msu.edu.