09/01/2026
📚 September is officially back-to-school season! 🍎
In honor of the people and programs that make OU special, this month we’re highlighting “Environment for Education & Lifelong Learning” at Oakland University.
A strong learning environment is about more than spaces where students learn — it’s also about the alumni, educators and partners who support students along the way.
At Oakland University, the Determination and Resilience through Education, Achievement and Motivation (DREAM) Initiative is helping first-generation college students find the support and sense of belonging they need to succeed.
Codesigned by OU and the Diploma Equity Project, the donor-funded pilot provided mentorship, proactive support and individualized financial aid counseling to help students navigate the college experience while building confidence and community.
With support from a MiLEAP Student Success Go Big Grant, OU is scaling lessons from DREAM to reach approximately 900 incoming first-generation students each year.
Beyond DREAM, donor-funded scholarships are also helping to open doors and create opportunities for first-generation students to thrive at Oakland University.
By nurturing an environment where students feel supported from the start, OU is helping more first-generation college students pursue their education and confidently build a path toward graduation. 🎓
🔗 Read more about the DREAM Initiative and the partners helping advance first-generation student success at Oakland University: https://www.oakland.edu/advancing-oakland/2026/partners-in-progress/
