Bucknell enters formal partnership with student advisory nonprofit
Lewisburg, Pa. — Bucknell University is the first institution to sign on with the nonprofit Matriculate's Pathways Partner program.
Matriculate is a national organization that helps high-achieving students from historically underserved communities navigate college admissions.
Through its formal partnership with Matriculate, Bucknell is committing to meeting demonstrated financial need for at least two Matriculate-advised students who are admitted to the university.
Matriculate provides personalized, near-peer advising to high-achieving high school students from underserved communities, helping them navigate college admissions and financial aid applications at no cost. Since 2014, Matriculate's network of more than 4,500 undergraduate advisers has supported over 17,000 students in their journey to and through college.
Some students who have participated in Matriculate programs have already achieved academic success at Bucknell.
"We have seen students from Matriculate apply and be admitted to Bucknell in the past, and they are great students," says Kevin Mathes '07, Bucknell's associate vice president and dean of admissions. "We are really excited to enhance that collaboration into a formal partnership to work together to extend access to students who we believe will thrive here."
Matriculate's advising programs give students a greater likelihood of attending a selective college or university. The nonprofit has already helped thousands of students gain admission to top institutions, where they have thrived academically and socially.
"We're very excited to welcome Bucknell University as Matriculate's first Pathways Partner," says Bryden Sweeney-Taylor, Matriculate's interim CEO and co-founder. "This collaborative partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to increasing college access for high-achieving students from low-income and historically marginalized communities across the nation while also lowering the financial barriers many of our High School Fellows and their families face through the enrollment process."
The partnership aligns with Bucknell's commitment outlined in its strategic plan to provide grater access to students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Creating opportunities for talented students from all backgrounds will help the university foster a diverse and inclusive academic community.
"Ultimately, we are exploring more partnerships that create pathways to students who may otherwise not have had access to a Bucknell education," Mathes says.
By committing to meeting the two Matriculate students' demonstrated financial need, Bucknell is taking down a significant barrier to attending college and allowing students to focus on their academic and personal growth.
Matriculate High School Fellows must still apply for admission and financial aid like any other student. These students will receive an application fee waiver.
Additional Matriculate students may also gain admission based on their demonstrated need and existing financial aid.
