Congratulations on being admitted into the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program! You are joining a group of students at the University of Florida who are, like you, the first in their families to attend college. Our students come from every part of Florida, are in all majors and programs, and are involved in student organizations, research, athletics and other organizations to name a few. We hope you will accept your invitation to join the Gator Nation and the MFOS Program and see where UF can take you.

Camp MFOS 2025

Calling all incoming first-year MFOS scholars — you’re invited to Camp MFOS 2025!

Camp MFOS is an optional opportunity to:

Build meaningful connections with fellow first-year scholars and current MFOS students
Gain insider tips on navigating campus life and accessing UF resources
Jump-start your academic, personal, and professional journey at UF
Start your college experience with confidence, community, and purpose

Camp MFOS Dates

Camp MFOS for Summer B Scholars:
- June 27th-28th | Click here to register
- This session is designed specifically for scholars who will begin classes during the Summer B semester.
Camp MFOS for all incoming scholars
- August 18th-19th | Click here to register
- This session is open to any incoming MFOS scholar — whether you’re starting in Summer B, Fall, or Spring. Summer B students who were unable to attend the June session are welcome to join us in August!

Please Note:

Students must have confirmed housing to participate in Camp MFOS.
Most meals will not be provided at Camp MFOS. Students are highly encouraged to sign up for a UF meal plan (covered by the MFOS scholarship).

Click here to view the Camp MFOS schedule-at-a-glance and learn what to expect from this transformative experience. Secure your spot today!

PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST

Orientation

MFOS New Scholar Orientation (separate from Preview) is your introduction to MFOS—we’ll discuss requirements of the program, talk about campus resources that will be useful during your time at UF, and give you an opportunity to meet other scholars, your peer mentor, and members of the MFOS staff! This orientation is mandatory for all incoming scholars, so please let us know if you have a pre-arranged conflict on that day.

Dates

Summer B 2025: June 29th

Fall 2025: August 17th

Innovation Academy Spring 2026: January 11th

Peer Mentor Assignment & First year Florida Course!

Peer Mentor

First Year Florida

All scholars are required to take SLS 1102, First-Year Florida. This course is your introduction to UF, and will help you transition successfully to UF!

*Even if you have credit for SLS 1102 from dual enrollment, etc., you MUST take it again at UF. You can take this course during Summer, Fall or Spring semester, and can take any section, including GEB 2015, Warrington Welcome.

You will be able to register for this course at Preview.*

Welcome to MFOS!

Bienvenido a MFOS!

READY TO BE A SCHOLAR?

Confirm Acceptance

Already Confirmed?

FAQ's

What does the scholarship cover financially?

How does UF define first-generation?

The term first-generation refers to students who are the first in their families to attend college. More specifically, it means that a student’s parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree. Students whose parents earned a bachelor’s degree in another country are not first-generation by this definition and thus ineligible for the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship. Students who have siblings in college but whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree are considered first-generation.

Do I have to live on-campus?

What requirements must I meet in order to renew my scholarship each year?

As a first-year scholar in the MFOS program, you must complete and pass SLS1102: First-Year Florida by the conclusion of spring semester with a C or better. Additionally, you must actively participate in the peer mentoring program as well as attend two Financial Literacy Workshops (one in the fall and one in the spring). Innovation Academy (IA) scholars must complete all requirements above however, they will complete two Financial Literacy Workshops in their spring semester. IA scholars must also take SLS1102 in the spring of their first-year. All MFOS scholars must keep a 2.0 GPA and earn 24 credits each year to remain eligible as well as reapply for aid by updating their FAFSA beginning October 1 each year. Parental income will also be reevaluated each year for scholarship renewal. The MFOS staff strongly urges scholars to submit their FAFSA as possible each year.

WORDS FROM A GATOR Web Comic

READ HERE

Perspectives

Hear from some of our current scholars and alumni on what it means to a part of the MFOS Family.

Learn More

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Please contact the MFOS Team at ContactMFOS@ufsa.ufl.edu with any questions you may have.

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