(From left) Kayla McKissack, Niana Lewis, Nick Ballenger, Jared Strickland and Kara Johnson were welcomed into the Opportunity Scholars Program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis at a reception on June 15 in the Provincial House. Established in 2010 through the Pierre Laclede Honors College, the program offers an all-inclusive, four-year scholarship to academically gifted students who are either first-generation college students or are underrepresented in the workforce in their intended fields. In addition to covering tuition, fees, books and room and board, the program will afford the scholars unique opportunities for advising, mentoring and career experiences.

This photograph was taken by UMSL photographer August Jennewein and is the latest to be featured in Eye on UMSL.