A new initiative will provide not only scholarships for low-income students and those who are the first their families to attend college but specialized mentoring and a head start on finding a successful career.
“We wanted to find a way to address the barriers to education and career success that traditionally affect these under-represented students,” said Marlene Ibsen, vice president of community relations with Travelers Cos. which is partnering with Morgan State University in Baltimore City to expand the insurance company’s Educational Access Initiative to the Baltimore region.
“It’s really a complete, holistic approach. We really feel we can have a positive impact and reach a broader array of youth.”
In the first wave, four-year scholarships are being given to three Morgan State freshman who will be studying math and natural sciences.
Another two scholarships will be offered in the spring with more scholarships expected in future years, said Ibsen.
“Traditionally, we don’t get a lot of minorities or students from disadvantaged backgrounds getting into these careers,” said Joseph Whittaker, dean of the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Morgan State.
“It’s not that they’re not talented, it’s just that they don’t usually have the support.”
The program also will connect students with mentors through Travelers Cos. and help them secure internships with the goal of transitioning them into the work force.
“We’re also asking colleges to provide academic counselors of their own,” said Ibsen.
The amounts of the individual scholarships are not being released, but students must continue in their selected majors and maintain a 3.0 GPA to receive the full benefits, she said.
Freshman Tiara Colbert, 18, of the Fort Meade area and a scholarship recipient, is majoring in math with a concentration in actuarial science.
“I’ve met a lot of different people, and I’ll have a lot of different opportunities available after I leave,” she said.
“It’s definitely where I should be now.”
The Educational Access Initiative, launched in Minnesota and Connecticut in 2007, this year will provide $2.5 million in support in all of the states.
CollegeBound Foundation, a Baltimore City-based nonprofit that helps students receive post-secondary education, is also partnering with Travelers by offering students assistance.
Travelers Cos. Inc. is a St. Paul, Minn.-based auto, home and business insurer that funds charitable organizations.
