University of Missouri - Saint Louis

08/24/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/24/2026 13:05

Honors College welcomes 2026 cohort of Opportunity Scholars and St. Louis Scholars

Honors College welcomes 2026 cohort of Opportunity Scholars and St. Louis Scholars

by UMSL Daily | Aug 24, 2026

The all-inclusive four-year program supports academically gifted first-generation college students or students who face substantial challenges in accessing a university education.

(From left) Rachel Han, Joanna Tena Gaona and Quinn Joyce are members of the 2026 cohort for the Opportunity Scholars Program, an all-inclusive, four-year scholarship program through the Pierre Laclede Honors College. Not pictured are cohort members Isaiah Biggs and Kestrel Kim. (Photos by Derik Holtmann)

For students with the talent and ambition to make a difference in their communities, access to a college education can be transformative. Since 2011, the University of Missouri-St. Louis' Opportunity Scholars Program has helped make that opportunity possible for promising first-generation college students and others who have faced significant barriers to higher education.

Housed within the Pierre Laclede Honors College, the program provides a comprehensive four-year experience designed to remove many of the financial challenges and other obstacles that can stand between high-achieving students and a university degree. Scholars receive not only financial support but also access to mentorship, faculty guidance and other resources designed to help them thrive at UMSL. In turn, the program looks for students who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to extracurricular activities, community service and giving back to the St. Louis region.

The selection process is highly competitive. Hundreds of students from across the St. Louis area apply each year, with 25 finalists ultimately chosen for consideration. Five are selected as Opportunity Scholars, earning full-ride scholarships covering tuition and fees, as well as on-campus housing, books, faculty support and mentorship. The remaining candidates are named St. Louis Scholars and have the option to receive $9,000 merit scholarships along with mentorship opportunities.

Together, the two scholarship programs reflect UMSL's commitment to expanding access to a high-quality university education while developing students who are prepared to use their education and leadership skills to strengthen the communities around them.

Here are the 2026 Opportunity Scholars:

Isaiah Biggs
McCluer High School
Computer Science

Biggs participated in a competitive esports team and developed his coding skills through web and computer programming courses while at McCluer High School. He hopes to become a software or application developer and is excited to meet new people, experience campus life and grow more independent as an OSP scholar.

Rachel Han
Windsor High School
Biology
Han is majoring in biology on the pre-dental track. She participated in many clubs while attending Windsor High School, such as art, Spanish, nature and choir. She's always looking for new friends and is excited to start her journey at UMSL as an OSP scholar.

Quinn Joyce
Lindbergh High School
Actuarial Science
Joyce is proficient in Spanish, loves to dance and can be found both quietly reading and cracking jokes with friends. He is looking forward to getting involved on campus and making new memories.

Kestrel Kim
Missouri Connections Academy
Biology
Kim plans to pursue a career caring for birds as a veterinarian. Kim volunteers at the World Bird Sanctuary, helping feed raptors, clean enclosures and train birds in husbandry. A fourth-degree black belt and martial arts instructor, Kim is excited to bring curiosity, perseverance and a passion for wildlife to UMSL.

Joanna Tena Gaona
Pattonville High School
Undeclared
Tena Gaona was the president of Epsilon Beta at Pattonville High School and was also involved in Rho Kappa National English Honors Society, National Honor Society and Spanish Honors Society. As a first-generation student, she is excited to begin her college career at UMSL.

And the 2026 St. Louis Scholars:

  • Mariam Aburas: Business Administration, Mehlville High School
  • Samira Aden: Pre-Nursing, Soldan International Studies High School
  • Jayla Carter-Sennie: Studio Arts, Riverview Gardens Senior High School
  • Matthew Duong: Philosophy, Pattonville High School
  • Jae Fitt: Psychological Sciences, Crystal City High School
  • Grace Hendricks: Business Administration, Roxana Senior High School
  • Reid Huntley: Music, Eureka High School
  • Joey Lum: Chemistry, Hazelwood West High School
  • Elizabeth O'Brien: International Relations, Homeschooled
  • Reece Rapert: Biology, Union High School
  • Lawson Tran: Secondary Education, Bayless Senior High School
  • Elijah Wagganer: Accounting, Central R-3 High School, Mineral Area College
  • Jayla Wilburn: Psychological Sciences, Hazelwood East High School
University of Missouri - Saint Louis published this content on August 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 24, 2026 at 19:06 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]