Educational Equity Scholars Programs Overview at Penn State

PRESENTERS: EDUCATIONAL EQUITY: OFFICE OF SCHOLARS PROGRAMS OVERVIEW DR. ALINA WONG, PHD., ASST. VICE PROVOST FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY NATALIE JAMES, M. ED., DIRECTOR OF SCHOLARS PROGRAMS

OFFICE OF SCHOLARS PROGRAMS Alina Wong, Assistant Vice Provost for Educational Equity Natalie James, Director of Scholars Programs Rebecca Westhoff, Adminsitrative Support Assistant Sierra Clemetson, Graduate Assistant (Maguire Scholars, Bunton-Waller Fellows, General Communications) Kayla King, Programming Assistant Coordinator for the Ritner Experience Partners: Diane Farnsworth, MRC Counselor (Lenfest Scholars); Dayzy Florencio (Milton Hershey Scholars); Council of College Multicultural Leadership, Division of Undergraduate Studies

The Office of Scholars Programs manages four scholars programs within the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity: Bunton-Waller Fellows, Lenfest Scholars, Maguire Scholars, and Milton Hershey Scholars. These four programs have the broad and shared goal to enhance the inclusion efforts at Penn State, and provide support to underrepresented and underserved students in higher education. Each of the Scholars Programs maintains its own merit- based eligibility requirements and shares programmatic elements. The Office of Scholars Programs provides management and oversight of the Scholars Programs, as well as additional support and resources for Scholars students, including summer communication with incoming students, coordination of an NSO and Scholars retreat,and collaboration with Residence Life and Housing to suport a living-learning program for first year Scholars, instruction of the Scholarship and Community seminar, academic counseling, and review of Scholars academic progress and status for renewal of their award.

BUNTON-WALLER PROGRAM Given to students who enhance the broad and diverse student population at Penn State Attracts students from various backgrounds who have demonstrated academic potential and are eligible to attend Penn State Selected and academically supported by their academic colleges and DUS at UP, and at some Commonwealth campuses Bunton Waller Fellows: In-state tuition + room & board; Out-of-state tuition (min 2.75 CGPA first year; min 3.0 CGPA sophomore, junior, senior) Bunton Waller Merits: $9500 (min 2.75 CGPA) Eight semesters

LENFEST SCHOLARS Major interests vary Financial need through qualification for federal Pell Grant support and participation in specified Philadelphia programs (Mastery Charter high school or involvement in the Philadelphia Futures program) Selected and awarded in consultation with Philadelphia partners Lenfest Scholars receive $15,000 per academic year, up to 10 semesters as needed Minimum 2.75 CGPA

MAGUIRE SCHOLARS Graduates of a Maguire Foundation approved high school and attend University Park Selected through online application and consultation with Maguire Foundation Civic engagement and service National program: the Maguire Foundation provides $3,500 per academic year Interests and majors vary Minimum 3.0 CGPA

MILTON HERSHEY SCHOLARS Graduates of the Milton Hershey School, a cost-free, private, coresidential school and home for children from lower income families located in Hershey, Pennsylvania Earn academic scholarships from the Milton Hershey School, which may be applied toward college Attend various Penn State campuses, including Abington, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg, and University Park Academically well prepared, some college transition challenges due to change in environment No minimum CGPA

THE RITNER EXPERIENCE Intentional, living-learning community in Ritner Hall Required for all Educational Equity Scholars (Schreyer Honors College students have the option to live in either Ritner or Atherton Hall) Involves community building activities, peer mentorship, and support for college transition Curriculum developed within the AFAM197: Scholarship and Community seminar Grounded in Chickering's seven vectors of student development

AFAM 197: SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMUNITY SEMINAR Required one-credit seminar for all Educational Equity Scholars Fall 2018, Biweekly Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 008 Mueller Building Curriculum and instruction builds upon the Penn State values and literature from student development theory, persistence research, and college transition studies Attendance is required at all seminar sessions and Ritner Experience programs to comprise a weekly program Excused absences: students allowed to submit late assignments Scholars may request substitution of academic program for Ritner Experience event Unexecused absences will be reflected in final grade

ASSISTANT VICE PROVOST FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY Report Bias Equality Opportunity Program and Comprehensive Studies Program Grants: Commonwealth campuses Liaison with Development University Committees and Initiatives

THANK YOU. Alina Wong: asw269@psu.edu | 814-867-1992 Natalie James: njj3@psu.edu | 814-867-1958