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 application will open late March/early April. Please check back here again for updates at that time.

For questions about the program or the admissions process, please email FLIscholars@msu.edu.