Colby College
PA-6: Support for Underrepresented Groups

"Below are descriptions of three of Colby's many programs to support underrepresented groups: Colby Achievement Program in Sciences (CAPS) was initiated in the 2010-2011 school year to help retain underrepresented students in the sciences through coursework and laboratory research that begins in the summer before their first year. Funded in part through a $1 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, students receive a stipend for their summer research work and can get funding for research work in the next three summers at Colby or in another research lab. Colby Research Scholars Program (CRS) is and academic support and career development program for students who are typically underrepresented in the sciences. Coordinated with the CAPS program, CAPS students move on into the CRS program. Posse Program – Colby is a Posse Foundation partner institution of higher education. The Posse Program is a leadership development and support program for students from underrepresented groups. The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits and selects public high school students with promise for success as leaders and scholars. The partner institutions provide full 4-year scholarships and mentoring for these students after they complete 8-months of leadership cross -cultural training, and preparation for college-level academics. Ten to twelve high school students are selected each year to form a Posse at Colby. Additionally, we have a mentoring program for international students, first generation college students, and students of color."

Colby recognizes that because of the unique ways in which hate/bias behavior affect the community that care of the community is also important. The Bias Incident Prevention Response (BIPR) team has been created to address the needs of the campus community. The team will assume an educational role in fostering a climate of inclusion, civility, and mutual respect.