Rice University Launches $25M Program for First-Generation Students
Rice University trustee James Whitehurst and his wife, Lauren, have donated $25 million to create the Sallyport Fellows Program. Starting in fall 2027, the initiative will provide comprehensive support—including dedicated advising, financial literacy training, and career mentorship—for every undergraduate student identified as first-generation or from a limited-income background.
The program serves as a cornerstone of the university’s "Momentous" strategic plan, aiming to integrate academic and co-curricular support for students from their first day on campus through graduation. Named after the historic archway at the center of Lovett Hall, the initiative marks a significant expansion of institutional resources. Participants will receive personalized guidance from professional advisers during their first two years, transitioning to cohort-based networking and alumni mentorship as they progress toward their degrees.
Beyond direct student support, the gift includes $1 million for the Gateway Project, an effort to improve connectivity between the campus and Rice Village. A unique aspect of the Sallyport initiative is its focus on evidence-based refinement; the university intends to track outcomes and share successful strategies with other institutions. The program will be headquartered in the former Lovett College magister’s house, providing a centralized hub for students, faculty, and alumni to collaborate on the initiative’s goals.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!