Buckeye Opportunities for Leadership & Development (BOLD)

Buckeye Opportunities for Leadership & Development (BOLD)

What is BOLD?

The Office of Undergraduate Recruitment’s Buckeye Opportunities for Leadership & Development (BOLD) is intended to provide a network of support and leadership development for first-generation students in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition to providing access to curricular support and opportunities, university and community resources and mentorship, students will have the opportunity to build a community through weekly roundtable discussions with students who are navigating campus through the lens of a shared experience.
 

Why you should join BOLD

BOLD mentees are incoming first-generation, new first-year students. Once accepted into the program, new students (mentees) will be paired with continuing students (sophomores – seniors) as their peer mentors. The primary goal of this relationship is to foster a connection that supports a successful college transition and enrollment. The relationship will promote a sense of belonging and create a safe space for expressing concerns and receiving guidance related to the mentees' experience as a first-generation student.

Program benefits for the peer mentee include, but are not limited to:

  • Providing a network of support and leadership development for first generation students in the College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Serving as a safe space by offering a sense of belonging during the transition to college.
  • Fostering a connection where mentees feel open and comfortable sharing questions and concerns related to their college experience.
  • Providing awareness of and access to university and community resources and services.
  • Building a community through roundtable discussions with other students who are navigating campus through the lens of a shared experience.

Apply to BOLD

BOLD members work on an MLK service project

The first year of college can be a daunting experience, and that is especially true for first-generation students taking their first steps into higher education. But the College of Arts and Sciences is taking a bold step to help those students find their home at Ohio State. BOLD gives students a network of support and leadership development by pairing them with a peer mentor.

Hear from other BOLD students

Being a first-generation student is an awesome accomplishment, and you should be proud of yourself for being the first in your family to attend college! With college come many amazing experiences, opportunities to meet new people and the ability to spread your wings by engaging in programs and activities on campus. Whether you’re starting your first year of college or approaching your last, you’ll find the following resources helpful as you navigate the university and become familiar with campus resources and services.

First-Generation Student Campus Resources Toolkit