Mason partners with Opportunity Scholars to create pathways for student success

Talent may be equally distributed, but the same can’t always be said for opportunities.

That’s why George Mason University and the like-minded Opportunity Scholars program have teamed up to provide additional pathways to success for students to position them for higher education degrees and critical workforce training.

The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding on Jan. 23 outlining plans to coordinate efforts and find ways to work together to help more primarily underrepresented students earn meaningful postsecondary credentials in a high-demand economic sector.

The aim of the collaboration is to encourage long-term success and create economic mobility.

“We have so many of the same goals and aspirations, so I’m very excited about the partnership and very excited about what we can do collaboratively,” said Rose Pascarell, Mason’s vice president for University Life.

Fred Thompson, cofounder of Opportunity Scholars and a member of Mason’s Board of Trustees, said his organization’s mission and that of Mason are perfectly aligned.

“We’ve got the same vision and the same clientele,” Thompson said. “The only way we can give low-income students, many of whom are from underrepresented groups, the opportunity to succeed is by working together as partners.”

Much like some of Mason’s signature programs such as ADVANCE or Early Identification Program (EIP), Opportunity Scholars provides a low-cost pathway to graduate with dual enrollment classes, exams, postsecondary education and training, textbooks and other expenses associated with education. The nonprofit organization, which was found in 2019, also provides financial and academic support to students who lack the resources to obtain technical certifications and college degrees that lead to high-demand jobs.

Through the partnership, Mason will provide additional training about Opportunity Scholars to its students and staff, while collaborating with staff from Opportunity Scholars on relevant events and opportunities at Mason that will help increase student success, including admissions, financial aid, student success coaching, and career services among other things.

Trishana E. Bowden, Mason’s vice president for Advancement and Alumni Relations and the president of the George Mason University Foundation, lauded the partnership’s “dedication to students who will be change agents in their lives and that of their families.”

Opportunity Scholars Chief Executive Officer Rachel Schaefer said the partnership is as much as about helping people coming into Mason as it is to make sure that all students are afforded opportunity.

“It’s about helping kids be their best and be successful,” she said.