FIRST@DU Weekly Newsletter Student Inclusion and Belonging
Dean of Students Office
Winter Quarter Week 5
UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Use the links down below to navigate the newsletter in an improved manner. There are a multitude of scholarships you can apply for listed below, please go for it and apply to them!
FIRST@DU Winter Quarter Events Take a look at the fun events happening this quarter, we would love to see everyone here!
FIRST@DU Etiquette Dinner
This year FIRST@DU is partnering with Careers & Professional Development to host our annual Etiquette Dinner. This free event allows you to learn the basics of dining etiquette while enjoying a delicious 3 course meal. The event will be on Tuesday, February 20thfrom 6pm-8pm. Additionally, we are offering FREE professional head shots for a limited amount of students who register before the event. This event is open to all first-generation scholars and their friends! For those scholars who are participating in 1GENU, VIP, and Davis NM as a first year, please make every effort to attend this event.
If you sign up for headshots, be sure to also register for the event as they are separate “events”
First-Gen Fancy Table Talk Join us in this event intended to help you break down what professionalism means to all of us!Tuesday, February 27 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm
StorySlam🌎 is a presentation-style speaking event for students to share their stories with their peers and the DU community. Speakers are given 3-5 mins to share their story and can use visual aids or props to enhance their narrative.
Not interested in being a presenter? We invite you to join us as an attendee and hear from our amazing student storytellers! There will be FREE food served to all participants and audience members.
RSVP to be either a presenter or an attendee below. Spots are limited, so remember to register today!
This scholarship gives college students financial aid to alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them. To be eligible, students must be entering their junior year in Fall 2024, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient, and plan to pursue a career in public service upon graduation. The deadline for Obama Voyager is March 22, 2024.
Education New Zealand BIPOC Flight Giveaway
Go Overseas is thrilled to announce that they have partnered with Education New Zealand to bring awareness about why New Zealand is a top destination for BIPOC students!
They'll be giving away a free round-trip flight to one lucky winner to travel to New Zealand to study abroad.
To be eligible, students must:
- Identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
- Be a citizen of the US
- Intend to study in New Zealand in 2024 or 2025
**The deadline to apply is Thursday, February 15th at 11:59 pm EST**
Click on the image to find out more!
Latinas First Foundation
Attention Colorado Latinas who are college students and college-bound: The Latinas First Foundation scholarship application is open, and the deadline is March 15, 2024. Their scholarship is intended for Latinas who live in Colorado though they may attend a college outside this state. They look for Latina leaders who have made an impact in their communities and will be strong representatives of their organizations. Click the image and prepare your application now. Girls Can Be What They Can See!
Eligibility Requirements:
Enrolled as a High School Senior or College Student
GPA: 2.0 and above
Latina Resident of Colorado
RESOURCES
FAFSA Pop-up Block Party
As you may know, Colorado ranks low when it comes to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which means many of our students leave so much money on the table for their post-secondary education. These events are to support our Colorado students in 12th grade and beyond to complete the FAFSA or, for those not eligible for federal aid, to complete the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA).
Their first FAFSA/CASFA Block Party will be at CU Denver on Saturday, February 17th.
Students who would benefit from getting support in completing their application, connecting with organizations during the resources fair, and having a chance to win a giveaway, click the image for more information!
DACA/UNDOCUMENTED RESOURCES
COHORT INFORMATION
Volunteers In Partnership(VIP)
Summer Link 2024 Coordinator
Summer Link to Collegewill accept DU student mentors who are passionate about helping high school students and will spend five days on the beautiful University of Denver (DU) Campus, providing students with a “taste of college life.” This year VIP expects to host 80 high school Juniors!
VIP Partner Schools:
This program is available to current students from our partner VIP schools:
Abraham Lincoln High School, Denver Center for International Studies, Denver School of Science & Technology: Green Valley Ranch, Denver School of Science & Technology: Montview, East High School, Hinkley High School, Pinnacle Charter School, South High School, West Campus
The deadline to apply isMonday, April 1st, at 11:59 pmStudents will be selected and notified in May.
Below is the link for the Summer Link to College coordinator application. Good Luck!
Get ready to welcome 135 Abraham Lincoln High School Students this Friday, February 9th, 2024! College Visits are a big part of what VIP does, and we need your help to make this experience amazing for our future Buffs.
Here's how you can be involved:
Student Panel (5-6 students): Share your own experiences and answer questions about campus life.
Q&A Lunch Crew (5-7 students): Mingle with the students, answer their questions, and help them feel comfortable.
Campus Tour Guides(5-7 students): Lead small groups around campus, showcasing our unique facilities and vibrant community.
Volunteer any time between 11 am and 2 pm by signing up click here!
Bonus: The hours you volunteer count towards your required VIP community service!
Don't miss this chance to make a difference and connect with the community. We need your enthusiasm and energy to make this visit a success!
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Summer Research Grants
The Summer Research Grants are intended to stimulate student/faculty collaborative projects. Students may request up to $5,000. This amount can include a maximum payable award of $3,500 depending on hours agreed to with your faculty mentor and up to $1,500 in research expendables. Student awards, if requested, will be paid on a monthly basis. This request must be included in your project budget.
The project may last anywhere from 1 to 10 weeks, depending on the nature of the project. While most partnerships involve one-to-one work with a faculty member, students can work with multiple faculty members or with other students. If working with other students, each student must submit an application stating his/her personal contribution to the project and is eligible to receive up to $5,000.
Bilingual Volunteers needed for Migrant Translation
The City & County of Denver urgently needs 140 bilingual volunteers (English & Spanish) to help translate for migrants applying for work authorization as CPB One Application parolees this month.
Volunteers can sign up to translate written documents, interpret conversations, or serve as receptionists. The City will provide quick and easy training to each volunteer and would be deeply grateful for your support.
Thurs, Feb 15, 8:30am-1pm or 12:30-5pm @ Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building (201 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202) - 70 volunteers needed for the day - Click here to sign-up
Fri, Feb 16, 8:30am-1pm or 12:30-5pm @ Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building (201 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80202) - 70 volunteers needed for the day - Click here to sign-up
These work permit clinics are large-scale events where individuals will receive support with applying for work authorization (aka a work permit) and onsite support from US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) with filing the work authorization application.
You are also welcome to forward this opportunity to anyone in your network who might be interested. For any questions, please reach out to Melissa Sisneros at melissa.sisneros@denvergov.org.
2024-2025 RA Application
The RA Application for the 24-25 academic year is currently open and will close on 2/4/24. Applicants can indicate that they are interested in working with a Living Community in the application process.
Returning Students: Please see below for important timelines!
Rising Third & Fourth Year Students
January 10, 2024: Application Fully Open
April 2, 2024: Deadline to participate in housing selection, roommate groups, and SDS priority.
April 12, 2024: Time slot notification goes to group leaders
April 15-17, 2024: Self-selection time slots open
Rising Second Year Students
January 10, 2024: Application Fully Open
April 2, 2024: Deadline to participate in housing selection, roommate groups, and SDS priority.
April 26, 2024: Time slot notification goes to group leaders
April 29 – May 3, 2024: Self-selection time slots open
2024 Dream Summer Fellowship 📢 Calling immigrant youth and allies! UCLA Dream Resource Center is now accepting applications for their 2024 Dream Summer fellowship. Apply today and join a community of passionate social justice and immigrant rights advocates! #DreamSummer2024
⭐The fellowship is open to all immigrant youth, regardless of immigration status (undocumented youth, youth with DACA or TPS, etc., are all welcome to apply).
✨ For more information:
1. Visit their Dream Summer webpage at bit.ly/dreamsummerweb
2. Join their virtual information session for prospective fellows at bit.ly/ds2024fellowinfo
3. For questions, contact Dream Summer coordinators Gaby Gil and Jessica Olivares at ucladreamsummer@gmail.com.
✨ To apply:
1. Apply at bit.ly/DS2024FellowApp or by clicking the image. Deadline: January 31, 2024, by 12:00 PM (noon) PT.
Reproductive Health & Immigration Study A research group at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is exploring how restricted and uncertain immigration policy and reproductive health policies shape young women’s lives & reproductive goals. Over the course of a year, they are conducting three interviews and weekly surveys with young women 20–28 years old, residing in Colorado or Arizona, who were either born in Mexico, Central, or South America & is a DACA recipient,orhave a parent born in one of these countries.If interested, click the image!
Mentornship Program Convivir Colorado is an organization, born out of the need to address the high levels of xenophobia and rampant anti-immigrant rhetoric that is negatively impacting how effectively schools can be safe spaces for immigrant youth. Through Convivir’s Mentorship Program, mentors are expected to serve as experienced and trusted advisors that provide guidance and support to their mentees. Click the image to apply and learn more!
Student Inclusion & Belonging – Dean of Students Office
Division of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence
Angie VanDijk, EdD Senior Director, First@DU Student Inclusion & Belonging – Dean of Students Office University of Denver Community Commons
2055 E Evans Avenue, Denver, Co 80208
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Linda Quintanar, MSLA
Director, FIRST@DU & Volunteers in Partnership (VIP)
Student Inclusion and Belonging
Dean of Students Office
(Pronouns: she/ella) What’s this?
CCOM 1200| Room 1220
303-871-2589 (office) | 303-506-2327 (cell) Linda.Quintanar@du.edu
Please use this calendar link to schedule a meeting: https://calendly.com/lindaq
Dong Dinh, EdD Director, FIRST@DU Student Inclusion & Belonging – Dean of Students Office University of Denver Community Commons, Suite 1200 2055 E Evans Avenue, Denver, Co 80208 Pronouns: He/Him/His Schedule a meeting with me (30 minutes)
Rosmina Garcia
Program Coordinator, Co-hort Programs
FIRST@DU
Student Inclusion and Belonging
Dean of Students
(Pronouns: she/her)
CCOM 1230
Jully Dong, M.A.
Program Coordinator, First-Generation Experience
FIRST@DU
Student Inclusion and Belonging
Dean of Students
(Pronouns: she/her/ÕÑ╣)
CCOM 1230
(303)871-7679 (office)
Kaitlyn Daniel, M.Ed
Graduate Student Assistant, FIRST@DU
Student Inclusion and Belonging
Dean of Students Office
Pronouns: She/Her
CCOM 1200 | Room 1226 kaitlyn.daniel@du.edu
Karla Chavez
Graduate Student Assistant, FIRST@DU
Student Inclusion and Belonging
Dean of Students Office
Pronouns: She/Her
CCOM 1200 | Room 1226