Blaze Your Own Trail
The Trailblazer Program is a one-year program that provides students with a small, supportive community that helps them successfully navigate and overcome the challenges they might face in college. By helping Trailblazers prepare for their college experience, Concordia University aims to prepare every student to succeed—no matter their background.
Students commit to participating for one year, meeting weekly on Tuesday evenings through their fall and spring semesters from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. During these sessions, program participants will work with staff and peers to set achievable academic and personal goals.
Program Qualifications
Students may qualify for the program if they meet two of the following:
- Pell Grant Eligible
- Require or would like additional academic preparation and support
- First-Generation Student
- A student from a historically underrepresented group
For more information:
contact your admissions counselor
Benefits of Becoming A Trailblazer
In addition to joining a community of students, faculty, and staff who are committed to student success, Trailblazers receive several benefits.
- Students are eligible for a $750 scholarship. Upon completion of the first semester of the program, a $375 scholarship will be provided for the spring semester to students that met program requirements. Students who also complete the spring semester of the program and have met the requirements will receive a $375 for the following fall semester
- Dedicated and specialized curriculum
- Access guest speakers on various topics on a rotating basis
- A specialized session with a career services professional
- A unique graduation cord upon completion of the program
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Who can I talk to for more information or to apply?
Talk to your admissions counselor.
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When do I get my scholarship?
If you have been accepted to the program, your scholarship will be applied in two separate $1,000 disbursements. The first will be applied to your second semester as a Trailblazer and the last will be applied to the following fall semester (the first semester of your second academic year).
Trailblazer Programs Highlights
- Career Services – career fair, resume building, area of study exploration
- Counseling and Mental Health – recognizing points of support, the importance of sleep
- Campus Ministry – connection to the spiritual life of the university
- Student Financial Planning – budgeting, financial literacy, loans, and scholarship
- Student Academic Planning – registration support
- Student Activities – student involvement and leadership on campus
- Service Learning – off-campus service projects through Foundation Communities
- Academic Support Center - academic tutors and study hall
-Genesis, Nursing Major
“I got to know my Trailblazer Program leaders personally. I could easily reach out to someone and get a one-on-one connection. I had a great support system. It was easy to transition from a Trailblazer to a resident assistant (RA) because people around campus got to know me because of the program.”
-Nathan, Marketing Major
“The program is not just about academics and grads. It’s about real things like dealing with anxiety and depression and managing a budget. It’s about the real-life things a college student goes through.”