Urban Scholars Initiative

Overcoming Barriers with Urban Scholars

Closing the education gap isn't just about individuals. By empowering extraordinary students we transform our world.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, college grads earn 84% more than high school grads. However, high costs put college out of reach for many.

At Lesley, we know potential isn't defined by socioeconomic status. That's why Urban Scholars Initiative (USI) provides tuition assistance, tutoring, mentoring, as well as book and supply stipends, to support students' financial, academic, and emotional needs.

Benefits	Eligibility & Requirements
Learn more about benefits including 50% tuition discount, book stipend, additional scholarships, etc.	Find out about requirements such as: demonstrating financial need, meeting admissions requirements, etc.
View full benefits list	View eligibility and requirements

To maintain a tight-knit, supportive community, space is limited to 20 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Apply today.

Urban Scholars works hand-in-hand with eligible students to ease financial pressures, allowing you to focus on your education and realize your full potential.

Mark Your Calendars

Lesley University’s Urban Scholars Initiative (USI) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its inaugural student cohort on October 13, 2023 at 12:45 pm in the Washburn Auditorium!

A program designed through the lens of equity, USI has pioneered the framework for college access and transitional success for students pursuing higher education throughout Greater Boston. Beginning with a class of 5 students, over the past decade, over 100 graduates have earned their bachelor’s degree.

Please join us as we commemorate this milestone event during Family and Friends Weekend 2023!

After my time at Lesley University and USI, I accepted a position with College Advising Corps-Boston University. I am currently working as a college and career adviser at Somerville High School... I owe it to the people that supported me through USI that instilled a passion for me to want to work with underserved youth since I was one myself.

Dewayne Green ’21, College and Career Advisor

Our programming is based on three pillars of success:

Social and Emotional Intelligence - challenging students to discover ther purpose and inner strength.
Career Exploration - encouraging students to explore their passions as well as identify career paths.
Community Building - connecting students with like minds and shared experiences.

Since 2013, over 200 students have participated, with a first year retention of over 80%. All of our graduates are the first in their families to attend college!

Unity Gala to become a new campus tradition

Rocky Cotard

For artist Rocky Cotard '18, one of our Urban Scholars, returning to Haiti opened new avenues for self-discovery, expression, and discussing differences.

Watch a Video

Student Chaurice McMillan fights for urban youth

Orienting Lesley’s newest Urban Scholars

Summer Transition Week provides Urban Scholars with university info and a community of support.

Transition Weekend equips diverse students for campus life

Joana Martins-Tabora

As the first in her family to go to college, Joana ’17 struggled with the transition between home and campus. Lesley's Urban Scholars Initiative gave her confidence. Now she's a mentor to a new class of Urban Scholars.

Natalia Rosa

The first Urban Scholar to graduate—magna cum laude—Natalia ’16 talks about the challenges she faced as a DACA immigrant and later when she started college.

Taydavia Martinez

Taydavia ’17 transferred to Lesley to study what she loved. Through the Urban Scholar's Initiative, she found friends—and an advisor—who were determined to see her succeed.