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 
Sean Simonini holds a petri dish while another person points at it in a UMass Lowell lab.
Sean Simonini '26
Political Science, Biology

From policy to research, Sean Simonini is making an impact.

UMass Lowell is about the grit, the work ethic. It’s everybody on an equal playing field. I love that mission.
Read More About Sean Simonini 
UMass Lowell student Debby Fernand stands next to RHSA Director Matthew Hurwitz
Debby Fernand '22
Psychology, Sociology and Race and Ethnic Studies

Debby Fernand says the River Hawk Scholars Academy has introduced her to friends and faculty mentors – and turned her into a leader herself.

The RHSA was the first aspect of college I got to know and love.
Read More About Debby Fernand 
Mathew D'Entremont seated at a table with another person
Mathew D'Entremont '23
Psychology

The Moloney Student Fellowship Fund allowed Mathew D’Entremont to take an unpaid internship with a Lowell nonprofit.

It was good to learn about an organization like Coalition for a Better Acre in the city where I go to school.
Read More About Mathew D'Entremont 

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

  • Four panelists sit in chairs in front of a screen at the front of a room, talking to college students.

    Peer Leaders Get a Boost from UKG

    Peer leaders from the Office of Multicultural Affairs are now supported with scholarships and mentorship from workforce management software company UKG, a longtime industry partner of UMass Lowell.
    Featured Story
  • Sean Simonini poses in a white lab coat in a laboratory

    Biology and Political Science Student Wins National Scholarship

    Sean Simonini, who is double-majoring in biology and political science, wants to help find treatments and a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. He won a $7,500 Goldwater Scholarship to support that work.
    Featured Story
  • A woman in a gray blazer poses for a photo while standing near the reception desk in a college office.

    Alumna Returns to Lead First-Gen Success at UML

    English alumna Venus Israni has returned to her alma mater to lead the River Hawk Scholars Academy, UML’s support program for first-generation college students.
    Featured Story
  • UMass Lowell students line up on the South Campus lawn.

    Students Get a Head Start on Course Work and College Life

    A range of special summer programs offer a head start on college classes and campus connections for incoming first-year students, transfer students and high school students. Some even offer full scholarships.
    Featured Story