The Power of Posse: How a Scholarship Program is Changing Lives
When it comes to education, not everyone has access to the same opportunities. Financial constraints, lack of resources, and limited support can make it difficult for students to pursue their dreams. However, there are scholarship programs that are making a big difference in the lives of young people. One such program is Posse, which is helping high school students from diverse backgrounds to succeed in college and beyond.
What is Posse?
Posse is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1989 with the aim of increasing diversity and leadership in higher education. It identifies and recruits exceptional high school students who have demonstrated leadership potential and provides them with full-tuition scholarships to attend 56 partner colleges and universities across the United States.
The Power of the Posse Effect
What makes Posse unique is its approach to creating a supportive community of students who work together towards success. Each Posse is made up of 10 students who receive intensive training and guidance to prepare them for the challenges of college life. They attend weekly meetings throughout their senior year of high school, and once they begin college, they meet with their Posse regularly to support each other academically and socially.
The Posse approach has been incredibly effective. Since its inception, Posse has awarded over $1.7 billion in scholarships and has sent over 10,000 students to college. Of those students, 90% have graduated from college, which is an impressive rate compared to the national average of around 60%. Additionally, Posse scholars have made significant contributions to their fields of study and to their communities.
Transforming Lives, One Scholarship at a Time
One example of the life-changing impact of Posse is the story of Justin Woods. Growing up in a low-income community in Miami, Justin faced numerous obstacles in his educational journey. However, through the Posse program, he was able to attend Vanderbilt University and pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. He graduated in 2015 and is now working as a public defender in Miami, where he advocates for people who are unable to afford legal representation.
Another example is Mariah Lewis, who was part of the first Posse recruited in Atlanta in 2007. Despite having to juggle schoolwork, a part-time job, and caring for her mother, who had cancer, Mariah excelled in college. She went on to earn a master’s degree in public health and now works as a program officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Mariah credits Posse with giving her the support and confidence she needed to succeed.
The Power of Giving Back
Posse’s impact goes beyond the students it supports. Its scholars often become leaders in their communities and work to create positive change. For example, Posse alumnae Ebone Johnson and Huda Ahmed created a nonprofit organization called WISE, which stands for Women in Sports and Events. WISE provides opportunities for women of color to network, receive mentorship, and gain access to resources in the sports and events industry.
Conclusion: The Power of Posse and the Importance of Investing in Students
The Posse program demonstrates the transformative power of scholarships and mentorship. By providing high-achieving students from diverse backgrounds with access to higher education and resources, Posse is creating a generation of leaders who are making a significant impact in their communities and beyond. However, more needs to be done to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed. Investing in programs like Posse is one way to help level the playing field and create a brighter future for all.
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