University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel announced an ambitious new program today to increase diversity in the pool of students applying for admission.
The program, called Wolverine Pathways, will be launched in January for 7th and 10th grade students in Southfield and Ypsilanti. It will be offered in a series of eight-week sessions throughout the year, and will focus on academics and other activities like field trips, campus visits and internships.
"The Provost Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion recommended investments in new partnerships with school districts to increase the pipeline of college-ready, underrepresented minority and first generation students," says Schlissel.
The program will be offered at no cost to students and families, and each student who successfully completes it will receive a full tuition scholarship for four years at the University of Michigan.
One hundred twenty students will be selected for the program. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher, participate in extracurricular activities, and be involved in community service. The program includes parent participation.
Schlissel says he hopes Wolverine Pathways will expand to other school districts, particularly Detroit.
