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The Spartan Alliance Program, introduced in 2023, promised to be more than a full-ride scholarship for select Tampa high school graduates. It promised a community, connections and opportunities. A year later, as the second cohort is newly announced, the first group of 20 scholars reflects on that promise.

From a multi-day immersion experience to make friends and get familiar with campus resources before school started, to monthly mentorship meetings with either of the two assigned staff mentors, these experiences cemented the program as a cornerstone for the Spartan Alliance Scholars' first year.��

Caden Raymond ’28, a political science major, said a real community was built among his fellow scholars and that they felt they could rely on each other or reach out whenever needed.��

“I think it's something very special to have 19 other people who you can call up and be like, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’” he said.

The program’s networking opportunities have been “invaluable,” he said, on top of the public speaking, leadership and critical thinking skills he’s developing.

For many within the cohort, the program is a path to something that once felt unattainable.

Layla Hall ’28, a graphic design major, said the program changed her view of what is possible.

“I did a lot in high school, but I didn't think that it was enough for me to get into a prestigious college,” said Hall, a first-generation student. “I felt like I made my family proud with that.”

“College isn't just for the academic experience,” she said. “It's about you showing up for not only your professors or instructors, your staff members, your other peers, but most importantly, yourself and your future.”

Mentorship is one of the most substantial aspects of the Spartan Alliance Program, something Taylor Burns ’27, a Spanish and finance major, said makes a lasting difference.

She appreciates having someone to reach out to when she needs help or who will suggest resources they think she will find interesting, she said of her mentor, Amy Apicerno, associate dean of academic services. Adrienne George, associate teaching professor of environmental studies, mentors the other half of the scholars.

Burns became a Spartan Alliance Ambassador, allowing her to get to know some of the potential scholars and those accepted into the new cohort, which was announced June 3 with 20 new students.��

“Always be on the lookout for new opportunities because you never really know,” Burns said for those about to start this journey. “You've just got to be open-minded.”

Melanie Metellus ’28, a finance major, sees her role as part of the first cohort as paving the way for others.

Metellus said that as the “guinea pigs” of the scholarship, it's their job to not only be role models but also share tips on how to better the program and help guide future students by giving them an insider perspective.��

The program has been crucial in navigating college as a first-generation student, she said.��

“(The scholarship) gave me the opportunity to further my education, so I can have the future I desire, and it gave me all the resources I need to do so.”

Metellus also has some advice for the new cohort:��

“Be open to anything; go to random events you see going on around campus; don't be scared to meet new people, and be open to different personalities. Also, stay on top of your classes and assignments, because it's very easy to fall behind.”

Raymond is excited for the program to grow, and based on his experience this past year, he said he knows the program will flourish.

“The second cohort is going to take off and that's all we can hope for, that they have a greater year than we did … because the proof is in the impact,” he said.