In Access and Success Programs, we are dedicated to expanding opportunities for our students. This month, we highlight exciting progress with the Bears Lead in Mexico program, global student experiences, and local outreach efforts that continue to open doors to college and beyond.

Bears Lead in Mexico

In June, Assistant Director Alaina Smith, along with Amy Huff and Morgan Marler from Education Abroad, conducted a site visit to two universities in Mexico. The purpose of the visit was to explore potential education abroad opportunities for students and faculty and to plan the Bears Lead in Mexico program for summer 2026. 

ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara

The visit began in Springfield, Missouri’s sister city—Tlaquepaque, Jalisco—where the team met with community partners and representatives from ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara (The Jesuit University of Guadalajara). ITESO is a dynamic institution that emphasizes sustainability and technology. The campus itself is a botanical garden, thoughtfully designed to promote environmental stewardship. ITESO offers international students the opportunity to study Spanish and take a variety of courses in English. Studying abroad at ITESO is remarkably affordable compared to programs on other continents. Students benefit from a range of support services, including a buddy group of local and international students, gated housing right next to campus, and dedicated assistance from ITESO’s Internationalization Office. We can’t wait for Bear Leaders to study on ITESO’s campus! 

Anáhuac Mayab University

The team then traveled to Mérida, Yucatán, to visit Anáhuac Mayab University—our partner institution for the upcoming Bears Lead in Mexico program. In summer 2026, we will bring 12–18 Bears Lead students to Mérida to participate in Anáhuac’s Yucatán Heritage Summer Program. This two-week program focuses on the cultural identity of the Yucatán region and includes academic coursework and excursions that expand on class topics. During the visit, we toured the campus, observed a class session, and joined students on one of the program’s excursions. We also explored additional excursion sites to better prepare for next summer’s experience. 

Supporting Bears Lead in Mexico

We are excited to offer these affordable and transformative education abroad opportunities to Bears Lead students. The Bears Lead in Mexico program is intentionally designed to support first-generation, low-income students with limited or no prior international travel experience. The program aims to build students’ confidence as travelers and enhance their cultural competence as global citizens. 

Interested in supporting the Bears Lead in Mexico program? You can make a gift through the MSU Foundation. Simply complete the MSU Foundation gift form and select “Bears Lead” from the list of designations by clicking “Click here to search or choose multiple designations.” You may also note that your donation is intended to support Bears Lead in Mexico. Thank you for your support! 

Student Spotlight 

Bears Lead student Khennedy Adkins-Dutro recently took part in a faculty-led study abroad trip to South Korea with Professor Yoojin Jo. Khennedy is majoring in Global Studies with a minor in Korean. The trip offered Khennedy and her classmates a deep dive into Korean culture, history, and society as they explored several cities across the country – including Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Sokcho. From major urban centers to smaller, historic towns, each stop provided a new perspective and learning opportunity. Khennedy shared, “This program was the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in the language and culture I’ve been passionate about for years.” 

Access Programs

This summer, we continued our efforts to support access and college readiness through several key events. Dr. Ryan Reed attended College Bound’s Cap & Gown Gala, a meaningful event recognizing the achievements of students preparing to enter college, many as first-generation scholars. We also hosted Girl Scouts during Summer Visit Day, offering them a chance to explore campus and learn more about future college opportunities. These programs reflect Access Programs’ ongoing commitment to building pathways to higher education for students across the region. 

Join the Access and Success Programs Community   

Whether you are a campus or community partner, current or former Bears Lead student, or simply interested in learning more about Access and Success Programs, we invite you to join our community. Together, we are committed to empowering students, celebrating achievements, and creating pathways to success. Sign up for our blog for monthly updates on Access and Success Programs.     

Support Bears Lead  

Want to contribute to the work our department is doing to support students through Bears Lead? You can donate to our MSU Foundation fund! To do so, complete the MSU Foundation gift form and select Bears Lead from the options listed when you select “Click here to search or choose multiple designations.” Thank you for your support! 

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