JMU works to increase diversity

by Stephanie Strauss / senior writer

JMU welcomed the first students into its Centennial Scholars Program this past fall, which is aimed at helping qualified and deserving applicants pay for their college tuition.

CSP provides a financial aid package that covers the full cost to attend JMU in the form of grants. These funds include fees, tuition, room and board for a maximum of four years for incoming freshmen, as well as two years for transfer and graduate students.

In addition to financial help, the program assigns mentors to the students to guide them in developing skills to build creativity and productivity in a racially diverse world. CSP also is designed to increase students’ confidence in their leadership and academic abilities to effectively resolve challenges at JMU and in the world outside.

"[The program] benefits the students by giving them the financial aid needed to come to the university, as well as a computer to help them with their school work," said Jacqueline Allen, a graduate mentor for the Centennial Scholars Program. "The program also strives to give the students a sense of being connected to the university. [President Linwood] Rose has talked at several of our meetings and offered to take students out to lunch on him."

Centennial Scholars are expected to challenge themselves academically by maintaining a 3.0 GPA and by participating in an internship or research program early in their college careers.

"The program also provides supplies them with mentoring, with the graduate mentors and the retention specialist, Diane Strawbridge," Allen said. "It provides them with an outlet and a place to go when they feel like they are lost or in trouble."

Students also participate in service projects that will benefit the Harrisonburg community, and are encouraged to take part in extracurricular programs at JMU by joining at least one club or organization. Centennial Scholars also attend a minimum of one cultural event each semester and attend weekly meetings and workshops with topics ranging from time management to résumé writing and career planning.

"It’s a great experience," freshman Erika Rose said. "It lets students like us attend a great school. You have to work for it, though. But the work is nothing compared to what we are receiving."

LeVon Young, a graduate mentor for the Centennial Scholars Program, said, "I feel like the program gives students from less fortunate backgrounds an opportunity to receive an education.

"All that is asked from the creators of the program is that you try your best to succeed (hence must have a 3.0 and community service and study hall hours). It’s a great opportunity to meet a diverse group of people who are working toward a similar goal."