Milton Hershey School and the University of Pittsburgh Partner to Support Low-Income, First-Generation College Students

Milton Hershey School and the University of Pittsburgh have formalized a partnership to help financially disadvantaged students—many of whom are the first in their families to attend college—achieve success throughout their entire college experience. Together, leaders from Milton Hershey School and the University of Pittsburgh will work to improve the graduation rate for low-income, first-generation college students.

“Our goal is to equip our graduates with the tools and resources to successfully navigate their educational journey,” said MHS Vice President of Graduate Programs for Success Tanya Baynham. “Through our partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, students will receive focused and sustained support that will help them conquer challenges, celebrate triumphs, and ultimately persist and successfully graduate from college.”

“The fine work that Milton Hershey School does in preparing its students for a university experience aligns with the University of Pittsburgh’s deep commitment to educating each student—regardless of socioeconomic background—to lead lives of impact by supporting and encouraging them on their individual academic paths,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann E. Cudd. “We look forward to welcoming these new students.”

Several MHS graduates who attend the University of Pittsburgh were present for the signing.

MHS students who attend the University of Pittsburgh will receive resources and support designed to guide them throughout their entire college experience. Support services include:

• Academic resources and support networks on campus to help students succeed and complete a degree at the University of Pittsburgh.

• Assistance with finding and securing on-campus employment, including career coaching and job fairs.

• Student engagement support, including a week-long new student orientation to introduce students to campus organizations and help build connections with first-year mentors.

• Twelve-month housing options, which gives first-generation college students a place to live during breaks.

Milton Hershey School’s Graduate Programs for Success (GPS) Division has partnered with more than 15 postsecondary institutions across the state of Pennsylvania. In addition to the individualized guidance offered at each institution, MHS career and higher education support specialists provide comprehensive support throughout the duration of college. In 2017, they organized a total of 123 on-campus postsecondary visits and sent 13,856 text messages with resources and words of encouragement.

The partnership with the University of Pittsburgh is part of Milton Hershey School’s ongoing commitment to strengthen its graduates’ postsecondary experiences and improve the national college graduation outcome for financially disadvantaged students.

Photo Information:

Left to right:  Adam F. Kauffman, assistant director, University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA); Pitt junior Chelsey Yoder, accounting major and graduate of the Milton Hershey School (MHS); Irene Bailey, MHS graduate, and first-year undecided Pitt student; Pitt Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann E. Cudd; Milton Hershey School Vice President of Graduate Programs for Success Tanya Baynham; Pitt sophomore Calvin Long, French major and MHS graduate; Keri Ambrocik, higher education support specialist, MHS Graduate Programs for Success; Lauren Wallace, director of undergraduate recruitment, Pitt OAFA.

Photo Credit: Alex Mowrey/University of Pittsburgh