First-Year Interest Group Seminars (FIGS) connect new students to career development and campus community. Peer Instructors customize the course to share careers, academic paths, and the resources at Rutgers that support student success. Teaching a FIGS challenges PIs to refine the knowledge and skills they will use in their own career journey.
The FIGS program aligns with several key initiatives on campus- promoting student success, deepening the sense of community on campus, and connecting students to successful career outcomes. Our students feel the impact of their FIGS course, too. 89% of FIGS students in Fall 2025 reported that FIGS makes them better prepared to make the most of their Rutgers experience!
In 2017, Career Exploration and Success began paying Peer Instructors for their teaching, a reflection of their hard work and leadership since our founding in 2000. Gifts toward Peer Instructor stipends can create more opportunities for student leaders interested in teaching as we continue to recruit talented and accomplished candidates By supporting this campaign, your gift will also benefit the 25 to 30 students that can enroll in each FIGS course.
Every gift counts. Here are some numbers to inspire you!