Pitt to Host Gates Millennium Scholars Workshop on Sept. 24

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh will host a workshop about the Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 24 at the J.W. Connolly Ballroom in Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland. 

The session will introduce the GMS Program to representatives from school districts and community organizations throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania so that they can help young men and women in the region to successfully compete for this very prestigious scholarship and leadership development program. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program was established in 1999 by a $1.6 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and is administered by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). 

“The University of Pittsburgh has been fortunate to be the school of choice for a number of high-achieving Gates Scholars from outside of the Pittsburgh region. In working with the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, we learned that very few Gates Scholars come from this area. As an institution dedicated to the education of the next generation of leaders, and one that prides itself on being a partner with the community, we wanted to ensure that students in the Pittsburgh region have the opportunity to compete for this unique form of recognition and support,” said Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg.

“Today more than ever it is important that our young people get the education they need in order to remain competitive in the 21st century and to move our nation forward,” said Senior Vice President Larry Griffith, UNCF Programs and Student Services. “The Gates Millennium Scholars Team is looking forward to being in Pittsburgh and sharing information about the Program with leaders of the region’s schools and community organizations working with pre-college students, as well as with foundations which share our belief that an investment in the futures of these students is an investment in our country’s economic and social strength and competitiveness."

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program works to promote academic excellence and provide opportunities for outstanding underrepresented students to reach their highest potential by: 

• Reducing financial barriers for African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with high academic and leadership promise who have significant financial need; 

• Increasing the representation of these target groups in the disciplines of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health, and the sciences, where these groups are severely underrepresented; 

• Developing a diversified cadre of future leaders for America by facilitating successful completion of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees; and 

• Providing seamless support from undergraduate through doctoral programs for students selected as Gates Millennium Scholars entering target disciplines.

Each year, 1,000 talented students are selected by the Gates Millennium Scholars Program to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at the college or university of their choice. The Program also provides funding so that Gates Scholars can pursue advanced graduate studies. Gates Millennium Scholars also receive personal and professional development, along with academic support, through leadership programs.

Representatives from school districts and community organizations are encouraged to attend the workshop by registering at http://gmsprogramatpitt.eventbrite.com

Visit www.gmsp.org for more information about the Gates Millennium Scholars Program.

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