Emily Crespo sits at a table with a Jumpstart poster.
Emily Crespo '21
English & Music Composition

Emily Crespo came to UML for its affordability – and for the River Hawk Scholars Academy, now a supportive community for first-year, first-generation college students.

I learned not only that you can help others, but that they can help you on your journey, too.
Read More About Emily Crespo 
Shakira Fedna sorts pills
Shakira Fedna '23
Biology

Shakira Fedna came to UMass Lowell because of the River Hawk Scholars Academy, a support program for first-generation college students.

Everybody you come into contact with in the RHSA wants to see you succeed.
Read More About Shakira Fedna 
Ashley Rose in a room with piles of newspapers behind her
Ashley Rose Rivera '23
English-Creative Writing

As student newspaper editor, Ashley Rivera helps other people tell stories.

English is an amazing department. It’s a hidden gem.
Read More About Ashley Rose Rivera 
Javier Palma stands in front of a white board in a UMass Lowell classroom
Javier Palma '23
Electrical Engineering, UTeach

Javier Palma is earning a teaching license along with his B.S. in electrical engineering.

I want to be a teacher who can create a much more comfortable classroom environment.
Read More About Javier Palma 

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

  • UML biomedical engineering student Alex Hutchinson in Granada, Spain

    RHSA Expands with Study Abroad, First-Gen Student Conference

    The River Hawk Scholars Academy is expanding its programs for first-generation college students, including adding a study abroad course and a conference organized by students, thanks to federal aid and grants from nonprofits.
    Featured Story
  • A young man in glasses smiles while listening to someone talk in a conference room

    New Program Helps First-Gen Students Find Career Paths

    The River Hawk Scholars Academy’s new Pathways to Career program helps first-generation college students in their junior year take advantage of resources available to them in the Career and Co-op Center.
    Featured Story
  • U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, UML Chancellor Jacquie Moloney and U.S. Sen. Edward Markey hold a ceremonial check for $500,000 for the RHSA

    UMass Lowell Gets $500,000 to Support First-Gen Students

    U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan and U.S. Sen. Edward Markey visited campus to announce $500,000 in federal funding for the River Hawk Scholars Academy, which serves first-generation college students at the university.
    Featured Story