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Research & Impact

Program Impact

Beacon Scholars is continuously evaluated through collaboration with faculty researchers to better understand how structured community and access to resources influence student success.

Emerging findings indicate that Beacon Scholars:

  • Develop stronger social connections and campus over time

  • Demonstrate increased confidence in their identities

  • Experience reductions in stress across the academic year

  • Utilize campus resources at higher rates than similar peers

Research & Faculty Partnership

Beacon Scholars programming is informed by ongoing research examining how belonging, motivation, and institutional engagement shape educational trajectories.

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Mesmin Destin
Faculty Director of Student Access & Enrichment

Through his partnership with Student Enrichment Services, Dr. Destin helps translate research into practice to ensure Beacon Scholars receive support grounded in evidence. His work focuses on how identity, opportunity structures, and social connection influence student motivation, success and well-being.

Dr. Mesmin Destin

I love being able to meet with individuals who are similar to me in a safe space. I also like the care and support that the Beacon Scholars staff offer, and how they are always available and open to us, making sure we are succeeding”