Ohio University launches Urban Scholars Program

Black Issues in Higher Education, Oct 7, 2004

ATHENS, OHIO

Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis recently announced the creation of the Urban Scholars Program--designed to increase the university's diversity by enhancing opportunities for Ohio's urban high school students to enroll and succeed at Ohio University. The program will provide scholarship support for graduates of urban school districts who demonstrate excellent academic achievement and financial need.

Preliminary goals of the program include recruiting and supporting 10 Urban Scholars who will begin classes at Ohio University in the fall of 2005 and eventually supporting 100 new scholars annually by providing support for tuition and fees, which are currently $7,770 a year for in-state students. Initially, the program will target students in Ohio's metropolitan areas, but will branch out to other cities in the nation.

McDavis and his wife, Deborah, are donating $8,000 to fund the first urban scholar.