Transitioning to college life can be challenging, especially for students who are first-generation college students or part of a traditionally underrepresented group.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Robitaille Family in memory of their son, alumnus Paul Hackett, Oglethorpe helps many of these students achieve academic success and pursue experiential learning opportunities, while creating an inclusive campus experience that fosters a close-knit community.

In 2019, Oglethorpe launched the Paul Hackett Summer Success Scholars program, a holistic residential program to help new students transition to college life. This program helps students acclimate to the academic rigor of an Oglethorpe education through participation in two, two-credit courses as part of a summer bridge program prior to fall semester.

Students develop foundational skills, build connections to university professionals, and learn about resources to help them achieve their academic goals. The program also emphasizes experiential learning with Atlanta Laboratory for Learning  programs focusing on civic engagement and career development.

This year, the program expanded to include the Paul Hackett Living and Learning Community, which builds on the summer bridge experience by extending the cohort into the fall semester.

All members of the living and learning community are enrolled together in the Narratives of the Self Core 101 course and participate in collective co-curricular experiences. They are continuing to develop skills for a successful transition to college, while learning about Oglethorpe and key resources across campus — with the goal of ensuring their success and graduation.

“These students bring such diverse backgrounds and experiences to the table,” said Jessica Winestock, senior academic program manager and academic advisor for all first-year Hackett scholars.

“I find it both exciting and instructive to see the ways they’ve already built a comradery and an organic support system. I have no doubt that they will emerge as leaders in the community and continue learning from and supporting each other.”

About the Paul Hackett Scholarship

The Paul Hackett Scholarship is one of many ways Oglethorpe students can connect their academic journey to career development. Thanks to a generous donation from the Robitaille Family in memory of their son Paul Hackett, students can apply for this $2000 scholarship to support an unpaid, for-credit internship with a nonprofit organization. The award may be used for expenses related to the pursuit of the internship.

Interested students can apply for the scholarship online. The fall 2021 application deadline is Oct. 21 at 11:45 p.m.

The award will be posted to the recipient’s statement, being applied first to any outstanding tuition, fees, room, or board. If the award generates a credit balance on the student’s statement, a refund is issued to the student.

Additional Paul Hackett Scholarship deadlines:

• Spring 2022 application deadline:  March 28, 2022 at 11:45 p.m. OR while funding lasts.
• Summer 2022 application deadline:  June 1, 2022 at 11:45 p.m. OR while funding lasts.
• Spring 2023 application deadline: March 24, 2023 at 11:45 p.m. OR while funding lasts.