Campus News

Westminster Recognized For Outreach to First Generation & Underserved Students

Westminster only Utah school to be included in national “College Access & Opportunity Guide”

SALT LAKE CITY – Center for Student Opportunity recently announced they will feature Westminster College in their 2008 College Access & Opportunity Guide, a new publication which highlights national colleges and universities committed to access, opportunity and success for traditionally underserved students.

According to the center’s website, colleges and universities selected for inclusion in the 2008 guide demonstrate an exceptional commitment to college access and retention, and are profiled in light of programs and opportunities they present for first-generation, low-income and minority students.

“I’m pleased Westminster has been recognized for its outreach efforts to underserved students,” said Michael Bassis, Westminster College president. “We have many exceptional programs here and we hope this guide will help more students become aware of Westminster.”

Westminster offers excellent financial aid packages to its students, averaging approximately $17,500 per year. The college also focuses on assisting underserved students by providing several scholarship programs including the Exemplary Achievement Scholar Program and the McNair Scholar Program, to name a few. Westminster’s Exemplary Achievement Scholarship offers 10 students awards of $20,000 per year and targets students who have overcome hardships or excelled in specific areas. Westminster is the only school in Utah to host the McNair Scholars program, which is a federally funded effort to increase the number of under-represented and first generation students who go on to pursue their graduate degrees with the ultimate goal of having them become future faculty members. For more information on Westminster’s financial aid program, visit www.westminstercollege.edu/financial_aid.

Center for Student Opportunity
Founded in 2004 by a group of concerned parents, admissions professionals and nonprofit practitioners, Center for Student Opportunity’s overarching mission is to educate the public and disseminate information on college programs and opportunity for first-generation, low-income and minority student population. The College Access & Opportunity Guide is the center’s newest initiative which promises to be the first of its kind – a comprehensive college guidebook dedicated to promoting college opportunity for the traditionally underserved. For more information, visit www.csopportunity.org/.

Westminster College
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information visit www.westminstercollege.edu.