Overview
In partnership with the national Posse Foundation since 2001, Carleton College identifies public high school students who have extraordinary academic and leadership potential and who may have been overlooked by the traditional college selection process. Carleton College works with the Posse Foundation to extend an opportunity for these students to pursue personal achievement and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams, “posses,” of ten students.
The concept of a Posse is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a posse—carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for increased individual and community development. Identified for their leadership ability and overall motivation to succeed, Posse Scholars head campus organizations, encourage dialogue and programs that foster an inclusive campus environment and achieve academic success.
Facts/Data
- Deborah Bial founded the Posse Foundation in New York City in 1989.
- Carleton became a partner institution in 2001 with a group of Posse Scholars from Chicago.
- Carleton transitioned to Houston in 2013.
- The last Posse Chicago class graduated in 2017.
- Carleton celebrated its 15th year of Posse partnership in October 2017 with a reunion featuring a convocation address by Deborah Bial.
- Have graduated 108 Posse Scholars as of June 2017.
What has been done?
- April 2017: Annual Posse Retreat
- May 2017: All Posse Scholar Graduation Celebration
- June 2017: Posse Scholar and Family Graduation Celebration
- October 2017: Posse Reunion
What’s next?
Continue the partnership with the Posse Foundation in extending an opportunity for these students to pursue personal achievement and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams, “posses,” of ten students.