Partnerships
The Ventures Scholars Program (www.venturescholar.org) is a national membership program designed to promote access to higher education. The Ventures Scholars Program identifies high achieving underrepresented and first-generation college-bound students interested in pursuing math- and science-based careers and provides academic recognition, information and resources needed to help them successfully pursue their career goals.
As a consortium member of the organization, on October 30, 2004, William and Mary hosted its first annual Ventures Scholars Program: Breaking into the Sciences. Students joined William and Mary professors in two interactive sessions and gained a sense of the types of classroom experiences they can expect as college students. Professors, along with a student panel, discussed programs of study, internships, scholarships and research opportunities available in science and math fields. While the students were attending classes, parents participated attended informative sessions on relevant topics such as the college application process and making the transition to college.
"I learned from the students the many fun opportunities of science programs and was able to challenge my mind with the presentations by the professors" -Student Participant, 2004
"I learned an awful lot about how college admissions works—what the admissions staff looks for on applications. I learned that I need to investigate more on my own and with my daughter the opportunities for scholarships in our local community." -Parent Participant, 2004
"The most valuable information I am taking home as a result of participating in this program is knowing that W&M is dedicated to providing an excellent education." -Parent Participant, 2004
Partnership for the Future (www.partnershipforthefuture.org) provides college preparation and summer employment for high school juniors and seniors attending select high schools in Richmond, Chicago and Norfolk.
Since 2000, William and Mary has been a Senior Partner University. As such, W&M supports Partnership for the Future by: (1) sponsoring summer college visits, (2) sponsoring a W&M summer intern with PFF and (3) providing fee waivers to students who apply to the W&M through PFF’s College Link Program. Ten former PFF students have matriculated to the College.
