In fall 2015, the University of Puget Sound launched the Access Scholars Cohort Program. The cohort program is an institutional initiative aimed to increase recruitment of admissible individuals from underrepresented and under-served groups, improve structural diversity, and promote students’ retention and success. For this program, a cohort is defined as a group of students who take on the college journey together on the road to graduation. The cohort will serve as a peer support network where each of the students can encourage persistence and eventual success among one another. The cohort will bring together 5-10 students per year, all of whom have successfully completed at least one Summer Academic Challenge.
In addition to Puget Sound’s financial commitment and strengthened partnership with the Tacoma Public School and Pierce County Districts, students participating in the Access Scholars Cohort Program will receive social, cultural, and academic support, have faculty mentors, and regularly meet peers from Tacoma throughout the academic year. Access Scholars will also be provided the opportunity to develop leadership skills, pursue personal growth, and cultivate community in a supportive environment necessary to achieve academic success.
