Dear Student,
We are excited to introduce a re-imagined 20 Professors Row at Tufts University. As of July 1, 2026 the FIRST Resource Center and the Center for STEM Diversity (CSD) will come together to form the BLOOM (Belonging, Learning, Opportunity and Mentoring) Center. The new center will serve undergraduates within the School of Arts and Sciences (A&S) and the School of Engineering (SOE) and is part of the Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion (DSDI).
Our goal with the BLOOM Center is to make it easier for you to access resources without having to navigate between multiple offices at 20 Professors Row. This approach will build on what already works and brings together existing resources in a more connected and coordinated way. This decision was made thoughtfully over time through reflection and a broader review of each center and its programs.
Importantly no programs or services are being cut or eliminated. The programs, communities, and support that you have experienced from both FIRST and CSD will continue. The intent of the BLOOM Center is to streamline services and increase access to make it easier for you to connect with the supports and resources you need.
The BLOOM Center will continue to center the same student communities of the FIRST and CSD, including but not limited to the experiences of those who are first-generation, high-financial need, navigating college and/or STEM without a clear roadmap, while welcoming undergraduate students from all backgrounds.
The staff at the BLOOM Center are deeply committed to honoring the legacies of both FIRST Resource Center and Center for STEM Diversity while building on their strengths to create a more unified and accessible student experience. The decision to merge the Centers is to expand our reach and support, not limit it.
We are excited to grow into this next chapter together and will share more information in the fall about how to get involved and share your feedback and ideas of where you want to see this center go.
Best,
Grace Caldara, PhD
Assistant Dean of Student Inclusive Excellence
Director, BLOOM Center
