Welcome Packages for Low-Income Students

Who We Are

The Northwestern Quest Scholars Network (NUQSN) is Northwestern University's only low-income and first-generation student advocacy organization. NUQSN started out five years ago as a dream led by two Northwestern students and has blossomed into the nation's largest organization of its kind, with over 400 members and serving over 16 percent of the Northwestern population. 

NUQSN serves as both a community and advocacy group for low-income and first-generation students and their allies, as well as a resource for the Chicagoland grade school and high school communities--mentoring underprivledged youth and educating low-income students about scholarship and educational opportunities at Northwestern and beyond.

NUQSN aims to create an engaged and supportive community for low-income and first-generation students and their allies in addition to ensuring equal opportunities for all low-income and first-generation students on Northwestern's campus.

The Big Problem

While Northwestern has done an amazing job of listening to our students and has made great strides in creating an inclusive community for low-income students, there are still areas we are looking to enhance. Students who are struggling financially often have trouble during Wildcat Welcome, the first year and transfer orientation experience. Many of our students don't have the financial support to buy basic necessities like shampoo, a pillow case, or even pens and pencils, let alone the finances to get meals with their new peers or to turn their dorm room from an empty space into a true home. Peer Advisor dinners helping students to bond and Northwestern's Night at Target are two such examples of events that are common, freshman-wide events which require or suggest a financial commitment. Many low-income students cannot afford these activities, and thus, a barrier is created between low-income students and participation in orientation events which help them to create a community and home on Northwestern's campus. 

The Solution

NUQSN is raising money for welcome packages for our low-income students. We plan to give our students support in the form of gift cards--a discreet gift which will allow them financial access to Wildcat Welcome activities while allowing them to maintain privacy surrounding their financial status. 

How Can You Help?

Any donation, of any amount, can help make sure that low-income students feel supported and ready to participate in activities which will serve to shape their Northwestern experience. Providing these welcome packages will be impossible without the support of people like you. Without donations, barriers to participation in Wildcat Welcome will continue to seperate low-income students from their peers. 

While donations are essential to ensuring the success of the project, even simply sharing our project and our message can help. Any support for NUQSN and our low-income students is much appreciated!