Bard College partners with the Posse Foundation to recruit talented young leaders from diverse backgrounds as Bard students. Posse Scholars receive full-tuition scholarships from Bard, where they attend as members of a team. Other supports include eight months of pre-college training leading up to matriculation and faculty mentoring once enrolled. Bard Posse Scholars currently attend from Atlanta. Bard enrolled its first cohort of Posse Arts Scholars from Puerto Rico in fall 2022.
Event at Bard College for students and alumni/ae of the Equity and Inclusion Programs.
What is Posse?
The Posse model is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a Posse—can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development. The Foundation identifies, recruits, and trains individuals with extraordinary leadership potential. Posse Scholars receive full-tuition leadership scholarships from Posse’s partner colleges and universities.
Posse Scholars reflect the diversity of their school districts. To be considered for the award, students must first be nominated by their high school or a community-based organization. Nominees then take part in Posse’s Dynamic Assessment Process, an innovative, nontraditional method for assessing leadership and academic potential.
Posse Scholars reflect the diversity of their school districts. To be considered for the award, students must first be nominated by their high school or a community-based organization. Nominees then take part in Posse’s Dynamic Assessment Process, an innovative, nontraditional method for assessing leadership and academic potential.
Posse at Bard Expands With a Second Cohort from Puerto Rico
Bard College has added a third cohort of students to its two-site partnership with the Posse Foundation. An additional cohort of students has been added to Bard's site in Puerto Rico, opening program access to students of all academic interests. “The Posse program and our Posse Scholars have been such an integral part of Bard’s academic and campus life for many years,” said Vice President of Student Affairs and Vice President and Dean of Early Colleges Dumaine Williams. “We're extremely fortunate to not only continue to welcome new Posse cohorts each year but to expand the program and its impact on the campus."
Scholar Highlight
James W
Class of ’26 | (he/him)
Major: Studio Arts and Architecture
I chose Bard College because I wanted a new fresh environment from living in the city of Atlanta. I also really liked the way Bard formats their classes and programs.
Major: Studio Arts and Architecture
OEI Scholarship: Posse (Atlanta)
Why Bard?I chose Bard College because I wanted a new fresh environment from living in the city of Atlanta. I also really liked the way Bard formats their classes and programs.