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
- 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.
Behavioral Sciences Dept. Chair; Professor, Sociology
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Kerri Barnett-Novack, M.A.
Student Services Administrator
Wayne County Community College District
Dagmar Budikova Persaud, Ph.D. (ex-officio)
Dean, College of Arts, Sciences, & Letters
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Michelle Cyrus, Ed.D
Student Success Strategy Manager, Office of Sixty by 30
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential
Ivy Forsythe-Brown, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Sociology
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Susan Gedert, B.A.
Retired
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Roma Heaney, M.A.
Retired
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
Ryan Neloms, LMSW
Director, Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Dearborn Support
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Rebecca Richardson, B.A.
Program Assistant – SOAR Program
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Lara Rusch, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Political Science; Community Change Studies Director, WILL+ Faculty Director
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Yolanda Russell, M.A.
Trio Transfer Program Coordinator
Wayne County Community College
Amny Shuraydi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Criminology, Law & Criminal Justice
University of Michigan – Dearborn
Esther Lee Wyatt, M.A.
Professor
Wayne County Community College