The MOSAIC Scholars Program Class of 2026 application is available to all UCCS undergraduate students across all majors and the deadline to apply is Feb. 8.
The MOSAIC Scholars Program (MSP) was created to offer flexible support to students who want to develop their professional skills, including professional development, academic confidence and personal growth.
MOSAIC developed the program in 2024 following campus-wide student surveys. According to Xuan Truong, the MOSAIC coordinator, the results reflected a wide-spread concern among students about employment after graduation, particularly the challenges of entering career fields.
“The one thing we saw was professional development,” Truong said. “A lot of students want to have jobs set up when they graduate… students hear stories about them not getting into their field at least three years after they graduate.”
The program aims to advance equity, so all applications are accepted. So far, the program has received 40 applications.
MSP operates on a “pick-and-choose” schedule. At the beginning of the program, students attend an orientation that outlines the expectations and workshop schedule.
Workshops cover a range of academic skills, including notetaking, reading strategies, responsible use of artificial intelligence and public speaking. Students only need to complete eight workshops to graduate.
Professional development workshops typically cover topics such as networking, creating business cards and taking professional headshots for LinkedIn profiles and other social media platforms.
In addition to workshops, students participate in one-on-one check-ins with Truong that typically last 15 to 30 minutes. Meetings are tailored to meet individual student needs.
“How can we even out that playing field? How can I support you?” Truong said. “If I need to network them to another staff member who can get them an internship or the right resources, that will happen.”
MSP includes a field trip to Denver where students meet with state legislators and university government relations staff. Truong said the program covers meals and any additional materials for students.
The program is a year long. Students who complete the program receive several forms of recognition, including a certificate of completion, a graduation stole and a letter of recommendation for future employment.
Students also build a professional network and a portfolio containing all of their resources and work from the program.
According to Truong, a former student used networking skills developed through MSP to join SGA, attend a summer academic program at Oxford, connect with members of the Colorado Senate and House of Representatives and secure an internship at the Colorado State Capitol.
“Our goal is to build up a well-rounded student that can thrive here at UCCS, but more importantly, we want students to feel confident stepping into their workforce or industry after UCCS,” Truong said.
The program aligns with the university’s long-term student-centered goals outlined in the 2030 strategic plan. Students who are unsure about committing can attend a workshop to see if the program is a good fit.
“Come and sit down for one course,” Truong said. “If you like what you see, I’ll personally sit down and sign you up.”
Students can submit their applications here until Feb. 8. Those with more questions can contact Truong at [email protected] or visit the MOSAIC department in room 110 in the University Center.
The MOSAIC Center. Photo by Jade Esquibel.