With the first two Opportunity Scholars set to graduate from UMSL in May, all of the current students to hold that distinction recently gathered for a group photo. UMSL photographer August Jennewein made the picture in the South Campus courtyard surrounded by Provincial House and the Villa Building. The photo is the latest to be featured in Eye on UMSL.

Created in 2011, the program recruits top St. Louis-area high school students who are underrepresented or are the first in their family to enroll in college. The program enhances the quality and diversity of the region’s future leaders in science, technology, engineering, math and related fields. Participants receive an all-inclusive four-year scholarship and residential package, as well as one-on-one academic, career and life-skills coaching. They also gain access to internships through UMSL’s corporate partners.

The Opportunity Scholars Program began through a partnership with UMSL and Emerson, which contributed $1.65 million. Additional contributors to the scholarship program include AT&T, Energizer, Reinsurance Group of America, Stan and Terry Freerks, Bellwether Foundation and David and Thelma Steward. UMSL also received an anonymous $1 million gift.

For scholarship criteria, guidelines and more information, visit umsl.edu/opportunityscholars.