Washington University is the newest QuestBridge partner school and will begin accepting QuestBridge scholars in the fall, the non-profit scholarship program announced in a statement Jan. 17.

Founded in 1994, QuestBridge connects low-income, high-achieving students to a pool of partner schools, offering a select number of applicants full scholarships and admission to their chosen colleges. Washington University will become the 40th QuestBridge partner school, joining a list of selective institutions that include Yale University, Stanford University and the University of Chicago.

According to Director of Admissions Julie Shimabukuro, this partnership is part of a University trend toward offering admission to more low-income students.

“I think it’s just going to strengthen what we’ve already started in terms of trying to increase the number [of] and access for students who come from low-income families to the University,” Shimabukuro said.

Dean of Ervin Scholars and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Robyn Hadley also believes this partnership will aid in the University’s efforts to increase diversity on campus.

“I think it’s following in the path that the University—and more specifically, the Office of Admissions—has committed to: making our University one which is more socioeconomically diverse. And this is an organization that has a long track record with many of our peer institutions,” Hadley said.

According to Hadley, the University’s partnership with QuestBridge may have an impact on the University’s environment.

“Now that the University has made the commitment to increase the number of socioeconomically diverse students, what the University is doing is making a financial commitment,” Hadley said. “We’re making a commitment to change the climate at Wash. U. in a very positive way as we become more socioeconomically diverse.”

Shimabukuro hopes that QuestBridge will bring more visibility to the University and attract a wider range of applicants.

“It is a national network, and so that outreach is great for us, as we are seeking high-ability students across the board,” Shimabukuro said.

Shimabukuro noted that the program will provide continued support for its scholars as they attend Washington University, in addition to attracting low-income applicants and offering full scholarships.

“QuestBridge not only helps students gain access to college, but they also support them through their college years,” she said. “And I think that also aligns with the type of work we’re doing to support first-generation students and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds on campus. The access piece is just the beginning, and it’s the support—the ongoing support—that is also important.”

Freshman Bianca Florence, recipient of the Thomas H. Eliot Scholarship, was pleased by the University’s expanding role in financial aid, as it is a topic of particular significance for her.

“I think it’s great that Wash. U. is getting more involved in need-based financial aid,” Florence said. “I remember how excited I was when I learned about my scholarship—and I don’t think anyone should be unable to attend a school like Wash. U. because of an inability to pay.”

Florence realizes the impact that her need-based scholarship has had on her family and expects that the University’s relationship with QuestBridge will help deserving students in similar situations.

“My parents sacrificed everything for my education. They sold their house just to pay for my high school,” Florence said. “Wash. U. has gone out of their way to make me feel included, and regardless of their income level, every qualified student should feel just as included as I have.”