As we recognize the importance of diversity in education, the Breakthrough program aims to address the barriers that minorities often face in pursuing higher education. By providing financial assistance, mentorship, and targeted programming, we hope to empower talented and motivated individuals from underrepresented communities to pursue their academic aspirations.
The Breakthrough Scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school students who exhibit solid academic performance and demonstrate active engagement in extracurricular activities. We believe that a combination of academic excellence and extracurricular involvement reflects a holistic approach to student success. The scholarship recipients should embody the values of leadership, service, and a commitment to contributing positively to their community.
Any student, but highly encouraged for Breakthrough Scholars, can participate in our Bridges Program. This program helps to ensure holistic development of our recipients to guide you through campus involvement, mentorship opportunities, leadership development, workshops, tutoring, and community service initiatives. Through these activities, we aim to equip students in their first year with the academic tools needed for success. Additionally, providing the skills and experiences that will give them a powerful advantage that will enrich their personal and professional growth. As an added perk, Bridges participants move into campus housing early.
We also encourage first- generation students to join Panthers First, a student-led organization oriented towards building a support community for underclassmen First-Generation Students. Panther’s First strives to promote academic excellence amongst first-generation students and to empower students to establish themselves within the greater Drury community and campus environment. First-generation freshmen get paired with a corresponding upperclassmen mentor to aid in their college experience.
Students will receive more information about joining each of these organizations (and more!) when you come to campus for Fusion First Day in the summer before you begin at Drury. In both of these organizations, there are no dues or fees to join and participate.
The application deadline is January 15th, 2025. Please contact Rosalyn Thomas or Chris Carr for additional information.