SOAR Program Details
The SOAR program provides a pathway for returning adult learners to attend UM-Dearborn and earn their degree who might not be able to do so without the resources the program offers. Students in SOAR are generally referred to the university by community colleges, local human service agencies, and community organizations.
You may be eligible for the SOAR scholarship and join SOAR if you...
- Are over age 25 or a parent or veteran
- Are enrolling in your first semester at UM-Dearborn
- Have at least 24 transferable credits and a minimum 2.5 recalculated GPA
- Are Pell Grant eligible with no loans in default
- Are pursuing your first bachelor’s degree
- Complete the Request for Information Form
- Upon receipt of your request, SOAR staff will reach out to you.
- Complete the UM-Dearborn Application for Admission Form
- Complete the FAFSA Form
- Meet (virtually or in-person) with SOAR staff for next steps
- Laptop loan program
- Textbook assistance
- LIBS 191: Returning Adult Academic Renewal course
- SOAR Student Center
- Peer-to-Peer Mentoring
- Academic support
- Personal support
- Community building
- Scholarship assistance
SOAR Learning Outcomes
- Learn to successfully navigate university systems
- Identify and utilize university and community resources to enhance the academic experience
- Improve reading, writing, note-taking, and exam preparation strategies
- Become adept at using technology to access and communicate information
- Enhance communication skills to foster productive relationships with faculty and peers
- Acquire relevant leadership skills
- Seek out peer, faculty, staff, and community mentors to build a community of support
- Set realistic goals for academic progression toward degree completion
- Develop a post-graduation career and/or additional education plan
Lila Amen
District Community Liaison
Dearborn Public Schools
Hoda Amine, Ph.D., LMSW, CSW
Director of Dearborn Counseling Services
Francine Banner, Ph.D.
Professor, Sociology
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Kerri Barnett-Novak
Student Services Administrator
Wayne County Community College District
Suzanne Bergeron, Ph.D.
Helen M. Graves Collegiate Professor of Women's Studies and Social Sciences
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Ivy Forsythe-Brown, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Sociology
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Susan Gedert, B.A.
CASL Marketing and Digital Content Specialist
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Roma Heaney, M.A. (Chair)
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Martin J. Hershock, Ph.D. (ex-officio)
Dean, College of Arts Sciences & Letters
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Ellen Judge-Gonzalez, M.A. (ex-officio)
Director, SOAR Program
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Pam McAuslan, Ph.D.
Professor, Psychology
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Judith Monroe, M.A.
AAUW-Dearborn
Cheryl Powell, B.S.
Associate Director – Financial Aid
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Rebecca Richardson, B.A.
Program Assistant – SOAR Program
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Britta Roan, M.S.
Senior Career Counselor
Career Services
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Trisha Schlaff
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Esther Lee Wyatt, M.A.
Professor
Wayne County Community College
Mission Statement
The University of Michigan-Dearborn SOAR Program increases access to post-secondary education for nontraditional adult learners experiencing socioeconomic challenges, facilitates admission to the university using a holistic model, and retains admitted students by providing a wide range of support, opportunities, advocacy and resources.
In partnership with local human service organizations and community colleges, SOAR is a tangible representation of the University’s Metropolitan Vision to provide access to higher education, advance economic prosperity, and grow the number of college educated individuals in southeastern Michigan.
SOAR Program
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
View on Map