This is exciting news and a huge step in the right direction for higher education in my opinion: the University of Chicago just launched the UChicago Empower Initiative, a test-optional admissions process to enhance the accessibility of its undergraduate College for first-generation and low-income students.  This move makes them the first top-ranked college to institute a test-optional policy, along with increased financial aid and programmatic resources!  UChicago will enable more students to pursue higher education, regardless of background, geographic location or ability to pay.

“A strategic initiative to address key barriers encountered by underserved and underrepresented students, the UChicago Empower Initiative has three areas of focus: the use of technology for greater flexibility in the admissions process, including making submissions of standardized test scores optional; increased financial support, on-campus programming and online resources for first-generation, rural and underrepresented students, with full tuition aid for students whose families earn less than $125,000; and new scholarships and access programs to recognize those who serve our country and local communities. Each aims to empower historically underrepresented communities in the highly selective admissions process by increasing equity and access.”  More from UChicago.com HERE.

Some highlights:

• UChicago will guarantee free tuition for families with incomes under $125,000 per year (with typical assets).
• Families earning less than $60,000 (with typical assets) will have tuition, fees, room and board covered by financial aid.
• Students who are the first in their families to attend college will receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years and a guaranteed paid internship for their first summer.
• New, free mentoring technology provided by Wisr to further alumni mentorship and support for first-generation and low-income students.
• Following the success of the Neubauer Adelante Summer Scholars program for students engaged in Latino/Hispanic communities, UChicago will launch the Allison Davis Jr. Education Summit and the UChicago Women’s Board sponsorship of Summer Scholars Program for African-American Students—fully funded summer opportunities for talented high school students seeking to explore a highly selective college experience at UChicago.
• New funding for professional development programming for counselors from rural high schools
• Expanded Student Opportunities and Aspirations Roadmap for Success program, which provides admissions workshops through partnerships with school districts in Illinois.
• Membership in the American Talent Initiative, a coalition of colleges and universities committed to engaging and enrolling outstanding students from low- and moderate-income households.

Recognizing those who serve our country and our communities

• New full-tuition scholarships nationwide for select children of police officers and firefighters, expanding on the current Police & Fire Scholarships for the City of Chicago.
• New partnership with the Posse Foundation’s Veterans Program, with an undergraduate Veterans Posse cohort entering UChicago in Autumn 2020.
• Expanded outreach activities to help veterans and families learn more about UChicago’s Yellow Ribbon partnership and GI Bill funding for all veterans.
• New and expanded partnerships with Warrior-Scholars Project and College Recon.

What do you think?  Tweet me.

<3 @laurenoneil