Bowman First-Gen Leaders | Loyola Academy

Bowman First-Gen Leaders

A Pathway to Success for First-Generation-to-College Students 

Established in 2020, the Bowman First-Gen Leaders Program brings our mission to life by supporting students who will be the first in their family to attend college as they grow in confidence, community, and college readiness. The program was founded on a critical insight: opportunity alone is not enough. At Loyola Academy, we believe in forming women and men for others by nurturing the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, and socially. 

 

Loyola has played a huge role in shaping who I am today...I truly could not have done it without the support of the Bowman First-Gen Leaders Program and Loyola's Counseling department. Through Bowman, I developed confidence in spaces that initially felt unfamiliar to me and learned how to advocate for myself academically and personally.

Leah Saahene '26, Connecticut College, Posse Scholar

A Pathway to Success for First-Generation-to-College Students 

Established in 2020, the Bowman First-Gen Leaders Program brings our mission to life by supporting students who will be the first in their family to attend college as they grow in confidence, community, and college readiness. The program was founded on a critical insight: opportunity alone is not enough. At Loyola Academy, we believe in forming women and men for others by nurturing the whole person—intellectually, spiritually, and socially. 

 

Loyola has played a huge role in shaping who I am today...I truly could not have done it without the support of the Bowman First-Gen Leaders Program and Loyola's Counseling department. Through Bowman, I developed confidence in spaces that initially felt unfamiliar to me and learned how to advocate for myself academically and personally.

Leah Saahene '26, Connecticut College, Posse Scholar

Bowman at a Glance 

  • Students whose parents or guardians did not graduate from a four-year college or university in the United States are identified during the admissions process and invited to participate in the Bowman First-Gen Leaders Program.
  • There is no financial award or additional fee associated with this program.
  • Over the course of four years, the program fosters a growth mindset by strengthening academic skills, executive functioning, and social-emotional development. Students also gain foundational knowledge of the college process to prepare for success in college and beyond.
  • The Bowman First-Gen Leaders Program is named in honor of Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA (1937–1990), a Catholic educator, missionary disciple, and advocate for racial harmony and cultural awareness. Sister Thea devoted her life to education and justice and believed deeply in the transformative power of learning. 

Core Pillars of Support

  • Academic support
  • College readiness & test prep
  • Community & belonging
  • Financial literacy

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