Rhodes College has joined the American Talent Initiative (ATI), a collective of 137 top public and private colleges and universities across the nation working collaboratively to expand access and opportunity for highly talented low- and moderate-income students. Formed in 2016, the initiative is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and coordinated by the Aspen Institute's College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R.
Members include regional and flagship public institutions and leading private colleges and universities.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to engage with other colleges and universities dedicated to expanding access and opportunity. Ensuring that students from all backgrounds can enroll and thrive at Rhodes, regardless of their financial circumstances, is one of our core institutional commitments,” said Rhodes College President Jennifer Collins.
In concert with the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as well as affordability, the Office of Admission strives to identify, recruit, and enroll domestic students who are underrepresented in higher education, including first-generation college students, low-income students, and students of color. The college offers generous merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, fellowships, ROTC opportunities, and other programs.
There is no cost to join ATI, which provides access to extensive networks and resources. Resources have included honoraria to tackle research on key topics of academic equity; grants to improve academic, retention, and graduation outcomes; insights from ATI presidents and chancellors on expanding access to students; and reports of Pell enrollment data collected on an annual basis from ATI members.