U. of Michigan launches program to boost diversity efforts

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) – The University of Michigan announced a free college-preparatory and scholarship program Friday for students in certain school districts in the state, which university officials said could help boost the university’s minority enrollment.

The program called Wolverine Pathways begins in January for students who live within the boundaries of the Ypsilanti and Southfield public school districts, the university’s President Mark Schlissel announced. They were picked in part because they’re close to Ann Arbor and have diverse student populations.
“Wolverine Pathways is an important next step for the University of Michigan as we continue to look for ways to identify talented students and cultivate … applicants from all parts of our state,” Schlissel said in a statement.

Each student who successfully completes the Wolverine Pathways program and is admitted to the university will get a full-tuition scholarship for four years. The program will be offered in eight-week sessions and could be expanded to other districts later, possibly including Detroit.

Earlier this month, the school said its freshman enrollment was more diverse for fall 2015 when compared with classes over the previous decade. Underrepresented minority students make up 12.8 percent of the incoming freshman class, the largest percentage since 2005, when it was 13.8 percent.