1. CHANCE Program
  2. CHANCE Scholars
A student speaks at a CHANCE event

CHANCE Scholars

If you were admitted to NIU through the holistic review process and are a first-generation college student, you are automatically a CHANCE Scholar. No application needed. Your support starts right away.

What You Receive as a CHANCE Scholar

A Dedicated Success Specialist

Your CHANCE success specialist will meet with you regularly, help you set goals and connect you to resources across campus. This is separate from your academic advisor.

Enrollment in UNIV 101

You will be enrolled in a CHANCE Scholars section of UNIV 101, NIU’s first-year experience course, which builds academic skills and habits for long-term success.

CHANCE Summer Bridge Program

Eligible CHANCE Scholars will be invited to apply for the CHANCE Summer Bridge Program, a free weeklong residential experience on campus before the fall semester begins.

Year-Round Opportunities

CHANCE invites you to workshops, programs and events throughout the year focused on leadership, financial literacy and building community at NIU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. There is no cost to participate in the CHANCE Program. The CHANCE Summer Bridge Program is also free for eligible students.

No. If you were admitted through NIU’s holistic review process and are a first-generation college student, you are automatically enrolled as a CHANCE Scholar. There is no application or form to complete.

Participation in CHANCE is part of your enrollment as a CHANCE Scholar, and we encourage you to give the program a chance before deciding it isn’t for you. If you have concerns about participating, reach out to your CHANCE success specialist. Together you can talk through what participation looks like and find an approach that works for you. Students who choose not to participate will be connected with a success specialist to discuss next steps.

The Summer Bridge Program is a free weeklong residential experience on the NIU DeKalb campus held before the fall semester begins. Eligible students will receive an invitation by email. Learn more about our Summer Bridge Program.

UNIV 101 is NIU’s first-year experience course. As a CHANCE Scholar you will be enrolled in a designated section designed specifically for CHANCE students. The course is built around the skills and habits that support long-term academic success.

All admitted first-year students have important steps to complete before arriving on campus. Your Next Steps Portal is the best place to see your personalized checklist, including enrollment confirmation, housing, orientation and more.

Next Steps for Admitted First-Year Students

As a Huskie, you have access to a wide range of support services, activities and resources beyond CHANCE. From counseling and tutoring to student organizations and campus events, the NIU Student Life website is a great place to explore everything available to you.

Explore Student Life at NIU

If you were admitted through NIU’s holistic review process but are not a first-generation college student, or if you weren’t admitted through holistic review but think you could benefit from CHANCE, you are welcome to connect with us. Submit the form below and our team will follow up with you. The same form can be used by high school counselors, faculty, staff or family members to refer a student.

Complete the CHANCE Participation Form

Your Role as a CHANCE Scholar

  • Meet regularly with your success specialist
  • Attend and participate in UNIV 101
  • Engage with CHANCE programs and campus resources
  • Ask for help when you need it

Contact Us

McKinley “Deacon” Davis CHANCE Program
Peters Campus Life Building 240
Phone: 815-753-0201
Fax: 815-753-1929
Email: chance@niu.edu