Program Overview

Introduction to BEACoN Research Scholars

The BEACoN Research Scholars program is an initiative by Culture and Institutional Excellence (CIX) at Cal Poly, aimed at making research accessible to underrepresented students. The program provides funded research opportunities for students to work with faculty mentors.

Program Details

• Program Name: BEACoN stands for Believe, Educate & Empower, Advocate, Collaborate, Nurture.
• Eligibility: The program is open to all undergraduates, with a focus on centering underrepresented students.
• Research Opportunities: Selected students work with faculty mentors during Winter and Spring quarters for approximately 10 hours per week.
• Financial Aid: Participants receive a $2,000 quarterly financial aid award, totaling $4,000.
• Community Building: CIX hosts meetings and workshops for BEACoN Scholars to build community, develop professional skills, and share ideas and experiences.
• Research Symposium: The program concludes with the BEACoN Research Symposium, where scholars and mentors present their research to the campus community.

BEACoN's Vision and Mission

• Vision: Cal Poly aims to be an institution where all students can reach their full academic and personal potential, with no achievement gaps between underrepresented and majority students.
• Mission: BEACoN exists to educate and empower underrepresented students, advocating for their success and collaborating with the campus community to increase retention and success rates.

Objectives and Strategies

Objectives

• Educate: Inform students about resources for success inside and outside the classroom.
• Empower: Help students develop skills for academic and professional success.
• Advocate: Support underrepresented students in achieving their potential.

Strategies

• Educate: Share information on topics like working with faculty and student success.
• Empower: Offer workshops on diverse identities, self-reflection, and utilizing strengths.
• Advocate: Facilitate connections between students and faculty mentors, with regular meetings and discussions.

Why BEACoN Mentors?

• Students from underrepresented groups often graduate at lower rates and face higher rates of academic disqualification.
• BEACoN mentors provide guidance, advice, and strategies to help underrepresented students reach their academic, personal, and professional goals.

Conclusion

The BEACoN Research Scholars program is a vital initiative for promoting diversity, inclusion, and academic success among underrepresented students at Cal Poly. By providing research opportunities, financial support, and mentorship, BEACoN empowers students to achieve their full potential and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable academic environment.