Second Year Scholars Program

The Haas Second Year Scholars (SYS) Program serves as an opportunity for second year Haas students who identify as First Generation and/or of lower income backgrounds (FGLI) to participate in a program where their identities and lived experiences as FGLI students are centered and valued. Involvement with the SYS Program can be for one semester (Fall) or two semesters (Fall & Spring) and is open to 20 students. As a member of the SYS program you will find support through one-on-one academic coaching, connections to fellow Haas FGLI students, interactions with FGLI alumni and business leaders, and career/professional development opportunities that center your identity as an FGLI student.

What is the SYS Program?.

• A space where the experiences and ways of being of FGLI students are valued and centered in every way.
• A program that connects you to other students, alumni, and mentors who also identify as FGLI.
• An opportunity to explore what it means to you to be FGLI and how your experiences to this point have shaped who you are.
• A program that supports you in pre-career development through skill building (resume writing, interviewing, etc), networking, and exploring areas of business that might be of interest to you.

What the SYS Program is not:

• A direct pathway to opportunities at “elite” or “prestigious” companies
• An exclusive space where you will be measured on past experiences or the people you know
• A program where your lived experiences will be minimized or devalued
• A space that socializes FGLI students to assimilate into dominant business culture

Program Structure

As previously noted, involvement in the SYS program can be for one semester (Fall) or two semesters (Fall & Spring).

• The Fall version of SYS is delivered through a 1-unit UGBA 199 class where students will meet on a weekly basis to explore and participate in conversations around identity and experience as well as to engage in skills-based development to support you in your pre-professional preparation. Specific class topics will be tailored to the interests and feedback of class participants so that it is as relevant as possible to you.
• For those who choose to continue to the Spring semester, the SYS program will involve participation in a group-based project where we will partner with a local non-profit organization that supports the FGLI community in the Bay Area. Students will work together to address the organization’s needs through creative, thoughtful, and equity-oriented applications. No extensive knowledge or previous experience is needed, only the desire to support the work of powerful organizations.

To Apply:

• Applications are accepted each Spring semester and if more than 20 students apply then participants will be selected on a random basis with no preference based on experience or content of application.
• Priority is given to rising Second Year Haas students who identify as First Generation and/or of Lower Income backgrounds.
• Students must be able to attend the SYS class during Fall 26 semester, Thursdays from 12:30-2pm
• Applications for Fall 2026 are due by 10pm on Thursday, April 16th
• When open, the SYS Application can be found here.

Any and all questions can be addressed to Chris Corces-Zimmerman and sent to [email protected]