The Talent Development Program at the University of Rhode Island received the 2020 Partner of the Year Award of Excellence at NCAN's 2020 National Conference. The award recognizes an institution (or a department within an institution) that collaborates
with an NCAN member college access and success organization to ensure that the organization’s students – as well as all enrolled underrepresented students – get the supports they need to complete a two- or four-year degree.
In 1968, following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the University of Rhode Island established a special admissions program with a mission is to recruit and serve high school graduates in the state with college potential who come from
historically disadvantaged backgrounds, a majority of whom are scholars of color.
In its 50-year history, the Talent Development Program has impacted the lives of over 3,500 scholars. Students who enroll in this program receive intensive academic advising, and those who are eligible receive a scholarship that is equal to the full
cost of tuition.
The program has impressive student outcomes:
82% of the program’s students persist to a second year of college.
The average length of time for a program participant student to obtain a degree is 4.62 years.
The partnership between the Talent Development Program and the College Crusade of Rhode Island represents the best that the state has to offer in college access and success. This partnership is a case study where the whole is greater than the sum of its
parts.
Stephen Smith, CEO of Intellispark, presented the award to Kristina Moyet, associate director, academic programming and assessment for the Talent Development Program. As the award recipient, the Talent Development Program will receive $1,000 to put toward general
operating support, scholarships, and/or professional development.
NCAN solicits nominees from its membership for the annual Awards of Excellence in College Access and Success. A committee of NCAN members reviews all nominations, with final decisions confirmed by the NCAN
board of directors. NCAN thanks the members of the 2020 Awards Committee for their service:
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