About MSP

MSP helps first-generation college students grow as leaders in their field and community while providing access to mentorship and educational opportunities.
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Across Campus

Five academic units across campus have an MSP Program as of Fall 2025, offering faculty mentoring, annual scholarships, peer-connections, and access to resources within the schools/college.

Find Your Program

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Student Experience

MSP aims to maximize the KU student experience by helping scholars achieve academic excellence, experience professional opportunities, and develop as leaders in their field and community.

Requirements

Our Purpose

Our program supports KU's commitment to maintaining a campus community where first-generation college students have opportunities to succeed in their academic and professional experiences.

MSP provides a social and professional network through a cohort-model within a students' academic unit while connecting scholars to a broader group of MSP students and alumni across disciplines at KU.

Students participate in activities that offer space for scholars to share experiences, engage in experiences outside the classroom, and participate in opportunities that enhance their readiness for careers or graduate studies. MSP opportunities include career preparation, academic support, community engagement and leadership experience, and active membership in an ever-growing social and professional network of MSP Jayhawks past and present. 

MSP Leaders

The MSP Program is privileged to receive the support and commitment from MSP Program Directors, donors and alumni, who continue to be strong advocates for our students.
MSP Program Directors MSP Program Directors
MSP Donors MSP Donors
MSP Alumni MSP Alumni
A group picture of 14 faculty who were involved with MSP in 2006

History of MSP

The MSP Program was founded in 1992 within the School of Business by former professor and Executive Director, Dr. Renate Mai-Dalton. MSP had expanded to provide financial and academic support to over 200 students in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the Schools of Architecture & Design, Business, Education & Human Sciences, Journalism & Mass Communications, Pharmacy, and Music. As of Fall 2025, MSP is only offered in five academic units, the Schools of Business, Education & Human Sciences, Architecture & Design, Music, and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.