Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has partnered with Center for Leadership Development to provide central Indiana minority students with higher education opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

This new initiative features programs providing financial, academic and social/emotional support, including Rose-Hulman funding five full-tuition scholarships for academic-qualified CLD Scholars to attend the college annually, starting with the 2020-21 academic year.

Tom Bear, vice president for enrollment management, and Dennis E. Bland, president of Center for Leadership Development, joined Rose-Hulman alumni leaders in announcing the partnership.

“Rose-Hulman and CLD are bringing together resources to help meet the challenge of encouraging more students to fill growing career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Bear says. “The scholarships we’re making available are the first step in a significant effort toward addressing this critically important national and regional issue. This program will change the lives of those students and families who qualify and take advantage of this excellent opportunity.”

Qualified candidates also will have the opportunity to participate in Rose-Hulman’s academic merit scholarship weekend this March, when they could be eligible to receive additional funds to cover other costs for attending the college.

Bear notes that prospective CLD Scholars scholarship recipients must meet Rose-Hulman’s admissions requirements, be academically competitive in comparison to peers, and submit the federal government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

“We are honored and humbled to partner with Rose-Hulman on this major initiative to strategically connect Center for Leadership Development students with Rose-Hulman.” Bland says. “Rose-Hulman is a preeminent higher education institution that boasts a long history of graduating students who go on to achieve eminence in science, engineering, business and other noteworthy fields. What a privilege it will be for us at Center for Leadership Development to join in spirited collaboration with Rose-Hulman to forge remarkable education and career opportunities for CLD participants and their parents and families.”

The partnership also includes Rose-Hulman providing additional financial support for two of CLD’s annual events, the Minority Achievers Awards and Scholarship Gala, and College Prep Conference and College Fair.

Rose-Hulman has been ranked for 21 consecutive years as the top U.S. engineering college that’s focused on bachelor’s- and master’s-level education. The Terre Haute-based college’s science, computer science, physics and mathematics programs also have earned national reputations in undergraduate education.