Several members of the 2025 class of St. Louis Scholars and Opportunity Scholars Program celebrated at an event on June 10. St. Louis Scholars receive an $8,000 merit scholarship while Opportunity Scholars receive a full-ride scholarship that covers tuition and fees. (Photos by Derik Holtmann)

For nearly 15 years, the Opportunity Scholars Program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis has been transforming the lives of first-generation college students across the St. Louis region.

The all-inclusive, four-year Pierre Laclede Honors College program focuses on academically gifted first-generation college students or students who face substantial challenges in accessing a university education. With the help of the program, these students – who have also demonstrated involvement and potential for leadership through extracurricular activities or community service – are able to have a college experience that might not have otherwise been a possibility.

“Particularly because this program is for first-generation students, it gives them a whole lot of extra resources that they wouldn’t have otherwise, not just in terms of financial resources, but also in terms of mentorship and being in a cohort,” said Honors College Dean Ed Munn Sanchez. “College is a full-time job, so if we can make it the primary focus for some of our students, it makes a huge difference for these students who are already facing some pretty significant challenges.”

Each year, the Honors College receives hundreds of applications from qualified students across the St. Louis region, which are narrowed down to a pool of just 25 finalists. From that number, 20 are selected as St. Louis Scholars, receiving an $8,000 merit scholarship as well as opportunities for mentorship. Five students are selected for the prestigious Opportunity Scholars Program, a full-ride scholarship that covers tuition and fees, as well as wraparound support including on-campus housing, books, faculty support and mentorship. Both programs seek out students who demonstrate a commitment to utilizing their education at UMSL to serve the surrounding community in the future.

Meet the 2025 Opportunity Scholars:

Jayden Dawkins
Incarnate Word Academy
Business Administration BSBA
A highly motivated student, Dawkins is planning to pursue a degree in business with an emphasis in supply chain management at UMSL. She was drawn to its nationally ranked program and accelerated master’s option. As the president and founder of the Knight Shop Design Team, she demonstrated exceptional skills in planning, design, marketing and inventory management. She is also an active member of the National Art Honor Society, promoting creativity and showcasing her art. A resilient individual, Dawkins overcame a childhood incident to become a competitive swimmer and a lifeguard, exhibiting exceptional time management and strong leadership as a team captain. Additionally, she dedicates her time to TEAM Food Pantry, assisting clients and managing inventory, highlighting her commitment to community service. Her experiences, combined with her passion for business and a desire to contribute to the St. Louis workforce, made her a compelling candidate for the Opportunity Scholars Program.

Viktoria Dimitrova
Fort Zumwalt West High School
Computer Science
Dimitrova is eager to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science at UMSL, drawn to the field’s structure, diverse career opportunities and the university’s research labs and innovation. Despite a challenging early life, she quickly established herself as a leader at Fort Zumwalt West. She served on the board of the Cultures in Action club, where she organized cultural events and led her team to a third-place finish in the FZW parade, and she actively participated in Student Council. Dimitrova’s leadership extends to the B.O.S.S. Program, where she led a project focused on improving efficiency with AI. Proficient in English, German and Bulgarian, and self-learning Turkish, she values continuous learning and clear communication. Dimitrova’s commitment to making a social impact through technology was a key factor in her selection.

Nadia Manushev
Francis Howell Central High School
Biology BA – Pre-Optometry
A Bridge Program participant, Manushev is a dedicated and compassionate student set on pursuing optometry at UMSL through the Department of Biology’s 3+4 program for the College of Optometry. Her commitment to community is evident through her leadership in school activities, such as organizing blood drives and campus cleanups as an HOSA member, and actively participating in the Spanish National Honor Society, which promotes cultural understanding and fundraises for underdeveloped countries. Fluent in English and Bulgarian, and proficient in Spanish after five years of study, she aims for the Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing that multilingualism will enhance her ability to connect with diverse patients and offer the compassionate and personal approach to eye care that she so passionately conveyed in her application. Manushev’s kind nature and genuine dedication to service are evident in every interaction she has.

Carter Morgan
Timberland High School
School of Engineering
Inspired by his mother’s UMSL legacy, Carter Morgan plans to pursue a degree in civil engineering from UMSL’s new School of Engineering. He brings a strong foundation of leadership from his role as a youth park supervisor/assistant supervisor, where he managed daily operations, staff scheduling and facility maintenance, along with experience in DECA competitions. In Morgan’s application materials, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, optimism and a strong sense of humor, alongside proficiency in English, Spanish, and Japanese, as well as self-taught music theory and piano. Morgan’s goal is to revitalize St. Louis by addressing urban decay and improving infrastructure.

Hannah Richardson
Pattonville Sr. High School
School of Engineering
Richardson is not only an academically excellent student; she is competitive and ambitious. She is a decorated athlete and musician, excelling in cross country (Pattonville Rookie of the Year, 2x Varsity Letter), swimming (3x Varsity team), cello (Symphonic Orchestra, 2x District Solo & Small Ensemble Silver) and choir (2x All-Suburban District Mixed Honor Choir, 1x District Solo & Small Ensemble Gold, 1x State Solo & Small Ensemble Silver). A first-generation college student, Richardson plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aiming to contribute to the St. Louis workforce by focusing on environmental ethics at companies like Boeing or Leonardo DRS. Her ability to convey the importance of developing technical solutions to social issues and include considerations of the public good throughout the process set her apart as an individual with the capacity to affect change through education.

And the 2025 St. Louis Scholars:

• Jocelynn Bishop: Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Fox High School
• Jackson Curd: Computer Science or Business, Brentwood High School
• Jack Curran: Biology, Wentzville Holt High School
• Matthew Giles: School of Engineering, Webster Groves High School
• Selma Jugovic: Business Administration, Bayless High School
• Fatima Kukic: Finance, Gateway Science Academy
• Jackson Leong: Music, Ritenour High School
• Ethan Lucido: School of Engineering, Orchard Farm High School
• Jaionna Malone: Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Hazelwood East High School
• Matthew McFarland: Business Administration, Parkway Central High School
• Maryam Sabah: Pre-Nursing, Collegiate School of Medicine & Bioscience
• Minnu Shaju: Pre-Nursing, Francis Howell North High School
• Thomas Skouby: School of Engineering, Saint Louis University High School
• Mallory Steen: History BA, Elsberry High School
• Simon Teklu: Engineering (Joint), Collegiate School of Medicine & Bioscience
• Joannah Tullock: Psychological Sciences, Crystal City High School
• Justin Uka: Business Administration, Gateway Science Academy
• Madelyn Ward: Biology, Hillsboro High School
• Miles Weicht: Exploratory Pathways, Ritenour High School
• Judah Williams: Biology, Collegiate School of Medicine & Bioscience

The Opportunity Scholars Program is always seeking new applicants. Applications typically open in October and close in early January, with a mandatory interview day in February. To learn more, visit umsl.edu/honors/opportunity-scholars.