Next Gen
Formerly, the pHirst Scholars Signature Learning Community.
Learning Outcomes
The Next Gen Signature Learning Community (SLC) will create a comprehensive and supportive environment that helps students confidently transition to and thrive at Colorado School of Mines. Through participation in the SLC students will…
- Reflect on lived experiences to reveal strengths and ignite the empowerment needed to thrive in their first year at Mines.
- Engage in opportunities to explore how varied backgrounds and experiences drive innovation in STEM fields.
- Form meaningful and lasting connections across campus through interactions with mentors, faculty, and staff.
- Practice and grow their grit, resilience, studying, and practical life skills.
Next Gen SLC
Not all these statements may apply to you, but Next Gen could be right for you if. . .
- You are the first in your family to attend college.
- You plan to participate in the Challenge Summer Bridge program. Please note, participation in Challenge is not a requirement, Next Gen is open to all first-year students. Please see additional information below about the connection with the Challenge program.
- You are Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant eligible.
- You are excited to explore how your lived experiences can contribute to the engineering field.
- You’re worried about finding a sense of community at Mines since you don’t see many students or faculty who share your background or experiences.
- You are interested in learning about how engineering solutions can reflect the varying needs of unique cultures, values, and communities.
About Next Gen
Location: Elm Hall
Capacity: 70 students
Enrollment: First-year
Course Requirement: CSM101
If you are planning on participating in the Challenge Program:
Participation in the Next Gen SLC is a great way for Challenge participants to carry their summer experience and connections into the academic year. Students who participate in the Challenge Program are automatically enrolled in the Next Gen SLC for the following fall.
If your preference is to live elsewhere this Fall, please take the following steps:
- Joining a different Signature Learning Community (SLC): Mines offers a variety of SLC options. You can explore our website to see other SLC options for this Fall. When completing your housing application, you can preference up to three other SLCs. Please explain your preference when prompted in the application.
- Living in the general housing population: If you do not wish to participate in any SLC this Fall, please email housing@mines.edu before May 19, 2025.
- Live at home and commute to campus: First-year students are required to live on campus but can request a waiver under certain circumstances. To learn more, visit our website for instructions.
If you are not planning on participating in the Challenge Program:
The Next Gen Signature Learning Community (SLC) is open to all students who are interested in the learning outcomes of the community and connect with any of the prompts listed in the “Next Gen SLC” section above.
Faculty Friends:
Melanie Brandt
Teaching Associate Professor | Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences
About Melanie.
Melanie Brandt received her MA in Humanities from CU Denver. For her thesis, she investigated the power of humor in forming identities and effecting political and social change. Her work necessitated multidisciplinary research and study thereby creating a platform for understanding the fundamental elements of learning and communication that can be applied to many academic disciplines. Melanie earned her bachelor’s degree in Literature and graduated summa cum laude. She is interested in combining the humanities and STEM fields of study in innovative ways that bolster both.
Melanie has taught a variety of writing, film, and literature classes. Furthermore, she has taught in Mines’ Design EPICS program since 2011. This spring she will be teaching one section of NHV and oral communications, along with one section of EPICS.
About Stepheny.
Stepheny is a Latina originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico and has a passion for working with diverse students, getting them to and through college. She believes that STEM fields must be enriched by diverse perspectives and so she works to support student’s aspirations by ensuring that their lived experiences expand what we currently know STEM to be. Stepheny works for the Multicultural Engineering Program which supports first-gen and other diverse students on campus and houses student organizations focused on Native/Indigenous students, Black/African-American students, LGBTQIA2S+ students, Asian/Pacific Islander students, and Hispanic/Latinx students.
Stepheny lives in Aurora, Colorado with her husband, son and five chickens. If you ask her who has better green chile, she will always vouch for New Mexico Hatch! Come stop by MEP House anytime to meet new friends, study, get free food, use the computers/free-printing, or just say hi – we’re the brown house right next to Mines Market!
About Julius.
Julius Moreno was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He received his Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from California State University Chico and his Masters of Science in Higher Education from Syracuse University. Julius is passionate about helping students navigate college. As a first-generation student Julius understands the challenges pursuing a higher education can bring. He has previously worked in academic advising but has experience working with programs for students from underrepresented backgrounds such as first gen, and men of color groups at different institutions. In his free time Julius loves to spend time with family, playing disc golf, exploring new places in Colorado, and reading (a newer hobby).
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