Am I Eligible for ESP?

As part of the U.S. Department of Education TRiO Student Support Services, Berea College’s Emerging Scholars Program is designed to support the academic, financial, personal, social, and career planning success of first-generation and low-income students.

Students must be enrolled at Berea College in order to apply for and join ESP.

Students generally apply for ESP in the summer entering into their first year at Berea College. If a student wishes to join ESP after this point and space is available, they may apply to join so long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

Am I First Generation?

TRIO defines “First Generation” as a student whose parent/guardian has not completed a 4-year baccalaureate degree before the student’s 18th birthday.

Am I Considered Low Income?

As a TRiO Student Support Services program, ESP follows the US Department of Education’s income eligibility requirements for TRiO Programs. See the current-year low-income levels chart via their website below.

Income Levels Chart