Two SOE alumnae lead Kessler Scholars Collaborative expansion efforts
The successful program, which began at U-M to support first-generation college students, expands to 10 additional four-year institutions.
An initiative of the Judy and Fred Wilpon Family Foundation, the Kessler Scholars Collaborative draws on evidence-based practices to build a comprehensive community of support for first-generation students that lets them explore their academic, professional, and personal goals. What started out as a scholarship program at U-M in 2008 has since evolved to support first-generation students in a highly effective cohort model at a consortium of colleges and universities including: Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, Queens College, St. Francis College, Syracuse, and U-M.
In April 2022, the Kessler Scholars Collaborative announced a partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and the American Talent Initiative to expand its efforts to 10 new colleges and universities. The expansion effort is being led by two SOE alumnae—the Collaborative’s executive director, Gail Gibson (PhD ’17), and its national director of organizational learning and strategy, Kristen Glasener (AM ’17, PhD ’21).
The new institutions joining the Collaborative include: Bates College, Brown University, Centre College (KY), Saint Mary’s College (IN), The Ohio State University, University of California-Riverside, University of Dayton, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Pittsburgh, and Washington University in St. Louis.
“Each institution will receive a $1 million grant to implement the Kessler model, thereby advancing the overall ATI goal of increasing postsecondary access and success,” reports Forbes.
“Over the past several years, we have proven that a comprehensive, cohort-based approach can help close equity gaps and promote a sense of belonging for first-generation students,” said Gibson. “In partnership with the American Talent Initiative, I’m thrilled to bring this approach to 10 new campuses across the country—and support a growing movement to tap into the promise of the more than one-third of students attending college for the first time.”