Ever wondered if there was a college matching program out there? How convenient would it be if college bound students could get paired up with the college or university that best suits that individual’s academic goals and future career choice? The Posse Foundation is perhaps the closest thing to such an ideal. If you’re a high school student with hopes of attending college, you’ll want to know more about this foundation and what it’s doing to improve the odds for students all over the country.
What is the Posse Foundation?
Created in 1989, the Posse Foundation’s mission is to provide promising public school students with the opportunity to reach their full potential by matching them with the right schools and awarding 4-year, full tuition leadership scholarships. In general, Posse selects its “scholars” from a variety of backgrounds, including focusing on students that would typically be overlooked during the traditional college application process. Posse works with university partners, who play a role in the selection process.
The Posse Foundation currently has office locations in New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami and New Orleans. It is important to note that the scholarships awarded by Posse are not need-based or minority based, so students from all backgrounds are eligible.
How Does Posse Choose Its Scholars?
The Dynamic Assessment Program (DAP) is carried out by Posse each year from September to December. During this time, their evaluation methods are used to select potential candidates that have demonstrated leadership potential at their high schools but who may not stand out enough to be considered according to traditional admissions criteria.
By exposing candidates to a series of group and individual interviews, as well as having them participate in a series of activities that test their leadership skills, problem solving abilities, communication and collaborative skills, Posse is able to identify which students have what it takes to be a positive asset to a university. A group of 10 scholars are chosen for each university that serves as a good match.
After being chosen, scholars participate in a special workshop during their senior year, as part of their pre-collegiate training. This part of the process is to increase each scholar’s odds for success once they step onto a college campus.
What Universities are a Part of the Posse Foundation Partnership Program?
Posse currently has 39 colleges and universities on its list of partners that welcome the scholars chosen for placement on their campuses. A few of these school include:
- Boston University
- Northwestern University
- Pepperdine University
- Syracuse University
- UC Berkeley
- UCLA
- Vanderbilt University
- Wheaton College
How Can I Be Chosen as a Posse Scholar?
In order for a student to be considered as a potential Posse scholar, he/she has to be nominated. High schools and community-based organizations must first be registered with their local Posse office in any of the locations mentioned above. Nominations can then be made for students attending a public school that are in their second semester of their junior year. The individual being nominated must have demonstrable proof of showcasing leadership as well as academic potential.
