30 Years of Learning Through Service</h1> <article> <h1>30 Years of Learning Through Service</h1> <p>anagy — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:56:54 +0000</p> <span>30 Years of Learning Through Service</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-04-18T14:56:54-04:00" title="Tuesday, April 18, 2023 - 14:56">Tue, 04/18/2023 - 14:56</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>This spring, 91ֱ�� celebrates the 30th anniversary of the milestone program with a series of events for Bonner Scholars past and present, as well as a public exhibition on the program’s history and impact, on display on the main level of Mudd Center during <a href="/events/series/commencement-celebrations-calendar">Commencement weekend</a>. </p> <p>With 75 member schools nationwide, the Bonner Program stands apart from other national scholarships because it doesn’t stop at rewarding students' past service—it challenges and supports students to continue that service throughout college. Today, it is the largest privately funded, service-based college scholarship program in the country, providing access to high-need and underrepresented students. Each year, 91ֱ��’s program welcomes 15 new scholars—about 60 current students at any given time. </p> <p>Brittnei Sherrod ’11, director of 91ֱ��’s Bonner Scholars program and a Bonner alum—is guided by the foundation’s motto: “<a href="http://www.bonner.org/servicebased-scholarship-model">access to education, opportunity to serve</a>.”</p> <p>“Often when prospective students consider applying to the program, they question if their past experiences with service is enough,” Sherrod says. “I truly believe the program is for everyone. Anyone can have a strong commitment to service and connect with a community if they are given the time, resources, support, and knowledge. Even if a prospective student has not engaged in service, through the Bonner Program they will." </p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Bonner first-years at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.</figcaption> </figure> <p>Bonner Scholars is the flagship program of the Bonner Center, which emphasizes community-engagement opportunities for all students. Bonner’s Community Engagement Institute (formerly Day of Service), held annually during new-student orientation, connects first-year students with nonprofit and public-sector organizations in 91ֱ�� and the surrounding region.</p> <p>In recent years, the Bonner Center’s impact has grown through partnerships with organizations throughout Lorain County, community-based learning and research initiatives, and education programs in the Bonner Center. </p> <p><a href="/donna-russell">Donna Russell</a>, past director of 91ֱ��’s Bonner Scholars from 2004 to 2010, has seen the program expand in scope and reach throughout the years, although its core principles remain unchanged.</p> <p>“The six Bonner Common Commitments—civic engagement, social justice, diversity, international perspective, spiritual exploration, and community building—have been the foundation of the Bonner Life 101 class for first-year scholars, as well as reflection activities and meetings,” says Russell, who is now an assistant dean for student support. </p> <figure class="captioned-image"> <figcaption>Bonner first-years participating in service-learning at Medwish in Cleveland.</figcaption> </figure> <p>Sherrod’s time as a Bonner Scholar helped shape her approach to balancing professional and personal life. She spent her four years working for the <a href="https://www.oberlinheritagecenter.org/">91ֱ�� Heritage Center</a>, beginning as a docent, then as a researcher, and finally designing docent programming for teenagers. </p> <p>“The opportunity to work in the community fostered an appreciation for nonprofits and a belief in taking an active role in the community I live in. Since becoming a Bonner Scholar in 2007, I have served as board member of <a href="https://www.oberlinlibrary-thebridge.org/">The Bridge</a>, 91ֱ�� Heritage Center, and the <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/billlongfoundationorg/home?authuser=0">Bill Long Foundation</a>.</p> <p>“My favorite memories as a scholar and director are from bonding with fellow Bonners,” Sherrod says. “Whether on campus during an All-Bonner meeting to reflect on our experiences, sitting around a table at Cuyahoga Valley National Park to enjoy a meal cooked by fellow Bonners, or on another campus with Bonner Scholars from other schools, Bonner love builds strong bonds based on passion, hard work, and honesty. I feel fortunate to have experienced it both as a student and professional.”</p> <p>In recognition of Bonner’s milestone anniversary, some campus events in April and May are geared toward current scholars and community partners. Bonner alumni and the public are welcome to attend an open house during <a href="/events/series/commencement-celebrations-calendar">Commencement weekend</a>. </p> <p>Now in her second year as Bonner Scholars director, Sherrod says she is honored to recognize the program’s 30th anniversary at 91ֱ��. </p> <p>“91ֱ��’s commitment to learning and labor is not just a historic mantra or confined to the circle around our logo. It is alive. It is practiced every day by the scholars enrolled and the 400 Bonners who have graduated from our program.” </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">91ֱ��’s Bonner Scholars Program honors a milestone anniversary with events recognizing community partners and the work of current scholars.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-04-18T12:00:00Z">Tue, 04/18/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ��’s <a href="/bcsl">Bonner Center for Community-Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Research</a> was founded in 1998 under the umbrella of the national <a href="http://www.bonner.org/">Bonner Foundation</a>. It followed the creation, five years earlier, of the Bonner Scholars Program, which guides the experiential learning of participating students through community-service scholarships.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2381">Bonner Center</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2390">Events</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2551">Staff</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2353">College Access</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The Class of 2026 Bonner Scholars visit University Circle in Cleveland as part of their Bonner First-Year Trip.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of the Bonner Center</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>President Ambar Responds to DACA Announcement</h1> <p>bdenneen — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 17:08:01 +0000</p> <span>President Ambar Responds to DACA Announcement</span> <span><span>bdenneen</span></span> <span><time datetime="2017-09-10T13:08:01-04:00" title="Sunday, September 10, 2017 - 13:08">Sun, 09/10/2017 - 13:08</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Read President Ambar's message:</p> <ul> <li> <p><a href="/node/50211">Message from President Ambar on DACA Announcement</a> (September 5, 2017)</p> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2017-09-05T12:00:00Z">Tue, 09/05/2017 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>President Ambar sent a message to the campus community in response to the announced phase-out of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2577">Office of the President</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2353">College Access</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> </article> <article> <h1>Statement in Support of Undocumented Students</h1> <p>Anonymous — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 20:25:42 +0000</p> <span>Statement in Support of Undocumented Students</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2017-01-31T15:25:42-05:00" title="Tuesday, January 31, 2017 - 15:25">Tue, 01/31/2017 - 15:25</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>In the wake of the presidential election, our community has expressed deep concerns about the enforcement of immigration laws and the potential elimination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Here at 91ֱ��, I have heard undocumented students express fear for the future of their education, their ability to work and travel, and even their basic safety. It is heartbreaking to hear these valued members of our educational community contemplate such barriers after trusting the DACA program to support them in their achievements and recognize their contributions to campuses across the country.</p> <p>I know many of you, reckoning with your own uncertainty and anxiety about possible changes in Federal government, signed the petition calling on 91ֱ�� “to join other colleges and universities and investigate how to make 91ֱ�� a sanctuary campus that will protect our community members from intimidation, unfair investigation, and deportation.” We acknowledge and thank Obies for Undocumented Inclusion and the Undocumented Student Initiatives of the Multicultural Resource Center for their efforts to raise awareness of and support undocumented students at 91ֱ�� College before and during this critical juncture.</p> <p>The term “sanctuary” in this context is not well defined. But it does convey 91ֱ��’s long-standing values of respect for diversity, inclusion and human rights. So as I embrace the spirit of the “sanctuary campus” movement, I also want to outline practical measures 91ֱ�� is taking to protect those who may be at risk during this challenging time.</p> <p>These include:</p> <p>• admitting all qualified students regardless of immigration status and meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. This position reflects 91ֱ��’s long-standing commitment to the importance of a diverse and inclusive educational community and to dismantling barriers to an 91ֱ�� education. 91ֱ��’s historical legacy teaches us that confronting injustice as an educational community is critical to achieving our goal of offering a truly excellent and transformative education.</p> <p>• refraining from providing information about our community members’ immigration status to government agents or allowing government agents to gain access to our campus, unless required to do so by a court order, subpoena, warrant, or other lawfully authorized directive – a long-standing practice which we will now regard as institutional policy.</p> <p>• identifying resources to promote the success of all students – including undocumented students – at 91ֱ��. Our commitment to meeting the full demonstrated financial need is unwavering. If a student loses work eligibility and work can no longer be part of a financial aid award, we will identify other sources to meet financial need. Where possible, for students who lose driver’s licenses or face other challenges as a result of changes in the DACA program, we will make referrals to legal experts, seek to identify transportation assistance, and make other support that may become necessary. Individuals seeking these or other resources may call the Dean of Students office for assistance (440-775-8462). Staff with professional expertise related to support of undocumented students are also available at the Multicultural Resource Center (440-775-8802).</p> <p>Our commitment to inclusion has always been, and will continue to be, a fight for justice in the face of social, political, and economic injustice. Undocumented students in the United States have organized with passion, courage, and determination to dismantle barriers related to immigration status on campuses and beyond.</p> <p>I have been inspired by this movement. I honor and recognize the students who have chosen to bring their talents to 91ֱ��. We will do everything we can to support you as cherished members of our community, in keeping with our fundamental values as an institution.</p> <p>We recognize that this effort cannot be confined to our campus. In that spirit, we will continue to cooperate with the City of 91ֱ��, which passed a resolution in 2009 declaring its intention to respect the civil and human rights of all residents regardless of race, ethnicity or immigration status.</p> <p>We will closely monitor changes in relevant public policy and law. As circumstances develop, we will continue to collaborate with our partners in higher education who call for just national and local policies and seek refinements in our institutional policies and practices to reinforce our unwavering support for undocumented students and report these developments in a prompt and accessible manner.</p> <p>One week ago, I signed a “Statement in Support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program and our Undocumented Immigrant Students.” The statement, drafted by David Oxtoby, president of Pomona College, has been signed by hundreds of college and university presidents from public and private colleges.</p> <p>It concludes with these words: “To our country’s leaders we say that DACA should be upheld, continued, and expanded. We are prepared to meet with you to present our case. This is both a moral imperative and a national necessity. America needs talent – and these students, who have been raised and educated in the United States, are already part of our national community. They represent what is best about America, and as scholars and leaders they are essential to the future. We call on our colleagues and other leaders across the business, civic, religious, and non-profit sectors to join with us in this urgent matter.”</p> <p>Marvin Krislov, President</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2016-12-01T12:00:00Z">Thu, 12/01/2016 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">President Marvin Krislov</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2353">College Access</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2577">Office of the President</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">The Cox Administration Building, designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Greg Pendolino</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Partners with Scholarship Program for Undocumented Students</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:02:04 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Partners with Scholarship Program for Undocumented Students</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:02:04-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:02">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:02</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ�� College has entered a new partnership with <a href="http://www.goldendoorscholars.org/">Golden Door Scholars (GDS)</a>, a nonprofit organization that creates economic mobility for high-performing, highly motivated DACA/undocumented students. Founded in 2012, GDS provides scholarships, mentorship, and professional development for students who came to the United States at a young age and are legally protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Previously limited to students from the Carolinas, GDS is now expanding nationwide and plans to offer up to 50 scholarships for the 2016-17 academic year. </p> <p>“We are honored and proud to align 91ֱ��’s values with the impressive commitment to expanding the outreach of the Golden Door Scholars organization,” said Debra J. Chermonte, vice president and dean of admissions and financial aid. “We recognize that there are thousands of high-achieving DACA students each year who deserve access to a college education. It is our hope that 91ֱ��’s efforts combined with the efforts of other colleges and university partners will make a real impact in the lives of Golden Door Scholars and their families.”</p> <p>Private scholarships for undocumented students are rare, and most Golden Doors Scholars reside in states where they are not afforded in-state tuition rates, making college out of reach financially. With the help of its partner institutions, GDS provides these students the opportunity to overcome these barriers. </p> <p>“We’ve been incredibly impressed by our 45 scholars, who are currently excelling at some of the nation’s top universities,” said Ric Elias, Golden Doors Scholars founder and CEO of Red Ventures. “Their success has emboldened us to double down on our efforts and help even more of the exceptionally talented young people being left behind by existing policies and bureaucracy. This isn’t a political issue; it’s a human rights issue.”</p> <p>91ֱ�� College’s policy toward undocumented students was changed unanimously by the Board of Trustees in 2014. Unlike many other institutions, 91ֱ�� College considers undocumented applicants as domestic candidates for admission. Students who qualify for deferred action and have achieved DACA status are particularly encouraged to apply. </p> <h2>About Golden Door Scholars</h2> <p>Founded in 2012, Golden Door Scholars invests in education and career preparedness for high-performing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. More than 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school every year with limited ability to afford college. In addition to scholarship funding, Golden Door Scholars focuses on career preparedness by pairing each student with a mentor and offering professional development opportunities. Scholarship recipients also commit to “pay it forward” by helping fund scholarships after they graduate. Learn more at <a href="http://www.GoldenDoorScholars.org">www.GoldenDoorScholars.org</a>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2015-09-28T12:00:00Z">Mon, 09/28/2015 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Kasey Cheydleur</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2353">College Access</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2409">Scholarships</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Golden Door Scholars</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Michelle Obama: Brave the Noise to Achieve Progress</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:02:25 +0000</p> <span>Michelle Obama: Brave the Noise to Achieve Progress</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:02:25-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:02">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:02</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><a class="newshub_embed" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNLU_FUEEP8">Michelle Obama Commencement Speech</a></p> <p>First Lady Michelle Obama addressed the graduating class in 91ֱ��’s Commencement exercises on May 25, 2015, during which she was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. The First Lady selected 91ֱ�� in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKiJl80aEPI&feature=youtu.be">Near-Peer Commencement Video Challenge</a> as part of her Reach Higher Initiative. 91ֱ�� submitted a winning video that showcases the college’s Ninde Scholars program.</p> <p><a class="newshub_embed" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKiJl80aEPI&feature=youtu.be">Near-Peer Video Challenge Winners</a></p> <p>Ninde Scholars provides support and college access services to a group of 7th-12th graders in the 91ֱ�� City Schools. Since its inception in 2005, about 80 percent of the participants have attended college or graduated from a four-year college.</p> <p>Produced by Patrick Gilfether ’15, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXbCeuslpuQ">video</a> features mentor and 91ֱ�� College junior Amethyst Carey and 91ֱ�� High School senior Morgan K. Smith.</p> <p><a class="newshub_embed" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXbCeuslpuQ">Ninde Scholars at 91ֱ��</a></p> <p>Speaking to a packed crowd on 91ֱ��'s Tappan Square, Obama recognized 91ֱ��'s legacy as being the first college to adopt a policy to admit African American students, and the first co-educational institution to grant bachelor's degrees to women.</p> <p>"91ֱ�� is likely the only college in America that I could have attended nearly two centuries ago, and I am honored to be part of the extraordinary legacy of this great institution."</p> <p>She highlighted 91ֱ��'s commitment to service and social justice, particularly the Ninde Scholars program.</p> <p>"My office did this wonderful competition to highlight colleges that are helping underserved young people graduate from high school and then go on to higher education. So by providing tutoring and ACT prep classes, financial aid workshops, and so much more, your Ninde Scholars Program stood out as a shining example of how schools like 91ֱ�� can lift first-generation students into college."</p> <p>She went on to express the importance of being engaged in social change upon leaving the halls of the institution.</p> <p>"Just look at the story of 91ֱ�� College. The founders of this school didn’t just decide to admit women and African American students and then pat themselves on the back and say 'job well done.' No, even in those early days, folks here at 91ֱ�� were attending anti-slavery meetings, shivering on rough wooden benches in unheated, unfinished buildings. They were joining the Equal Suffrage League and speaking out for women’s right to vote.</p> <p>"They were leading civil rights marches and sit-ins, organizing exchange programs with historically black colleges and universities, and so much more. Because they knew it wasn’t enough to welcome women and African American students to 91ֱ�� if they would only graduate in four years to be second-class citizens in their own country. They knew that our policies matter. They knew that our laws matter. And I know, as President [Marvin] Krislov understands, that electing the right folks matters—it matters a lot.</p> <p>"And in the face of all of that clamor, you might have an overwhelming instinct to just run the other way as fast as you can...But today, graduates, I want to urge you to do just the opposite. Today, I want to suggest that if you truly wish to carry on the 91ֱ�� legacy of service and social justice, then you need to run to, and not away from, the noise. Today, I want to urge you to actively seek out the most contentious, polarized, gridlocked places you can find. Because so often, throughout our history, those have been the places where progress really happens—the places where minds are changed, lives transformed, where our great American story unfolds."</p> <p><a class="view-more" href="/node/10281" target="_blank">Read a full transcript of the First Lady’s speech</a></p> <p>Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), delivered the 2015 Commencement address. Edelman has been an advocate for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life. Under her leadership, CDF has become one of the nation’s strongest voices for children and families.</p> <p>This year, 91ֱ�� College celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Commencement address presented by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in June 1965. Rev. King gave a Commencement address entitled “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution,” and was presented with the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2015-05-25T12:00:00Z">Mon, 05/25/2015 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2394">Commencement/Reunion Weekend</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2353">College Access</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">First Lady Michelle Obama is introduced by President Marvin Krislov (left) and 91ֱ�� Board of Trustees Chair Clyde McGregor before the start of her address to the class of 2015 on Monday, May 25, 2015, in Tappan Square. </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Scott Shaw</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Access and Mentoring to #ReachHigher</h1> <p>Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:02:52 +0000</p> <span>Access and Mentoring to #ReachHigher</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2016-11-07T13:02:52-05:00" title="Monday, November 7, 2016 - 13:02">Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:02</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXbCeuslpuQ" class="newshub_embed">Ninde Scholars at 91ֱ��</a></p> <p>For the past decade, a peer mentoring program has been quietly working in the background to provide college prep services to select 91ֱ�� High School students who demonstrate ability but lack the resources to apply to college. </p> <p><a href="http://new.oberlin.edu/office/bonner-center/cbl-programs/ninde-program/index.dot">The Ninde Scholars program</a> pairs 91ֱ�� College tutors with highly motivated students, many of whom would be the first in their families to attend college. In return, the scholars commit to a rigorous curriculum that includes a prep course for college entrance exams, evening workshops, and a summer enrichment program that helps them prepare for college level work. Other benefits include college access workshops throughout the academic year and opportunities to build a competitive college resume by participating in sponsored service projects and activities.</p> <p>The results speak for themselves: Since the program began in 2005, 80 percent of the scholars have attended or graduated from a four-year college. </p> <p>In honor of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative, we are showcasing a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXbCeuslpuQ">Ninde Scholars success story</a>. Amethyst Carey, a third-year Ninde Scholar leader majoring in sociology, has helped prepare 91ֱ�� High School senior Morgan K. Smith for college while serving as a tutor, a mentor, and a friend. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2015-03-16T12:00:00Z">Mon, 03/16/2015 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2382">Community Service</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2353">College Access</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Amethyst Carey (right), a third-year sociology major, works as a Ninde Scholar leader. Carey has helped prepare 91ֱ�� High School senior Morgan K. Smith for college as a tutor, a mentor, and a friend. <br> <br> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Zachary Christy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>