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Grove Scholars

WHAT WE DO

Grove Scholars at the University of Mississippi is a comprehensive scholarship and support program designed to help low-income and first-generation Mississippi students start college strong and graduate prepared for careers in STEM, Health Care, and Accountancy. Summer Bridge is the beginning—Grove Scholars carries you to graduation.

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Apply to the Grove Scholars Program Today!

Who Should Apply

  • Mississippi resident high school seniors with a GPA over 3.0
  • First-generation students and students with exceptional financial need
  • Majors in STEM, Health Care, or Accountancy

Apply in Three Steps

  1. Complete the FAFSA.

  2. Apply to the University of Mississippi.

  3. Complete the 2026 Grove Scholars Program Application no later than Monday, June 22, 2026.

A Proven Pathway with Powerful Outcomes

Grove Scholars empowers ambitious Mississippi students who are ready to work hard, grow with dedicated support, and seize the opportunities college offers.
Expand image: Group of Grove Scholars students smiling together in matching program T-shirts. Expand image: Group of Grove Scholars students smiling together in matching program T-shirts. Expand image: Grove Scholars 2025 group photo in the Duff Center. Expand image: Campus leader greeting a Grove Scholars student during a formal campus event. Expand image: Grove Scholars graduates standing in a group outside with Program Director Dr. Gray Flora. Expand image: Grove Scholars students serving themselves from a catered buffet line during a program gathering. Expand image: Grove Scholars students and staff smiling together for a selfie while riding in a campus golf cart. Expand image: Grove Scholars students seated at a table listening attentively during a program session on campus.

Grove Scholars — How It Works

Summer Bridge Program

  • Four-week fully funded residential program

  • Two college courses earning 6 credit hours

  • Housing, meals, and textbooks included

  • Tutoring, mentoring, and academic workshops

  • Community-building with other Grove Scholars

You arrive on campus in August confident and comfortable with campus life and college level course experience.

Four-Year Undergraduate Support

  • One-on-one college success coaching

  • Free textbooks every semester

  • Tutoring and structured study groups

  • Funding for one summer course each year

  • Monthly cohort dinners and activities

  • Internships and individualized mentoring

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Grove Scholars Program

Want to know more about Grove Scholars? Explore the frequently asked questions below to find all the answers you need.

Grove Scholars is a dynamic program designed for students eligible for the Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship who are pursuing degrees in S.T.E.M., Health, or Accounting at the University of Mississippi. Through a cohort model, an incentive structure, and a summer bridge program, Grove Scholars is committed to leveling the playing field, ensuring that students not only gain access to higher education but also receive the support needed to thrive from before their freshman year through graduation.

Grove Scholars provides students with a supportive community of peers with similar academic interests. We offer students opportunities for intensive mentoring, tutoring, and career exploration throughout the school year all the way to graduation. The Grove Scholars’ experience starts with a summer bridge program for incoming first-year students.

Most students experience a significant “culture shock” when arriving at college for their first year. Grove Scholars aids in the transition to college by bringing students on campus the summer before their freshmen year and surrounding them with support from staff and a group of highly motivated peers. This pivotal time spent on campus in the summer allows students to feel more comfortable socially and academically at Ole Miss before the larger wave of students arrive in late August for the fall semester. Taking 2 college courses over the summer that count towards your degree, enables Grove Scholars to come into the fall of their freshmen year ahead academically.

Being a Grove Scholar does not end with the summer program! Students in Grove Scholars receive the following throughout the rest of their time as an undergraduate:

  • Wraparound Mentoring and Advocacy for all students by our staff​
  • Connection to campus resources
  • Free Tutoring throughout academic year
  • Ongoing Study and College skill workshops in partnership with UM faculty​
  • Resources to secure On-Campus and Work Study jobs
  • Internship experience​ resources including funding for internships and shadowing opportunities that unpaid or underpaid
  • One scholarshiped Summer course every summer after Freshman year​
  • Social events/Speakers/Networking series throughout undergraduate career
  • Access to free Graduate Test Preparation + Application Fee waivers

The 4-week Summer Bridge program (Second Summer Session: June 22–July 24) gives students a head start on their college education. During this time, students will take two courses, including a science course and a second course selected with their adviser. Students are expected to fully participate in program requirements, including study hours Monday through Friday, as well as activities such as speakers, discussions, and trips designed to help them acclimate to the University of Mississippi and begin exploring career pathways. Weekends are generally free, with the exception of one Saturday field trip.

Students do not need to bring a car to campus. The university offers an excellent bus system, OUT. However, if you choose to bring a car, you will be responsible for purchasing a campus parking pass, as Grove Scholars does not cover this cost.

No, you will be living in a contemporary residence hall on campus for the duration of the 4-week term and then will move out completely. The room you live in during the summer will be different than the room you live in during the Fall semester.

Yes! Grove Scholars will take their final exams on Thursday, July 24th and Friday, July 25th and then will be free to leave campus (You will have nearly a whole month before Fall classes start)

There will be NO classes on July 4th. Students are welcome to go home for the 4th of July, however, classes will resume after the July 4th holiday.

For students who qualify, the Grove Scholars Program is FREE. You must also apply for financial aid for the summer term. After your summer aid is credited to your account, the Grove Scholars Program will cover the gap in funding for your summer expenses.

 

Have other questions about the Grove Scholars Program?

Contact our Director:

E. Gray Flora IV
Grove Scholars Director
gray@olemiss.edu

Our Staff

Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to supporting and empowering Grove Scholars every step of the way. With a shared passion for student success, and community impact, they provide the mentorship, guidance, and resources that help our scholars thrive at Ole Miss and beyond.
Gray Flora

Gray Flora

  • Director of Grove Scholars
Fred Tidwell

Fred Tidwell

  • Grove Scholars Program Manager
Grace Godbold

Grace Godbold

  • Grove Scholars Program Manager