Office for Equity & Inclusion

North College, 3rd Floor
237 High Street
Middletown, CT 06459
1-860-685-2520

Pathways to Inclusive Education (PIE) Programs

The Office for Equity and Inclusion coordinates six Wesleyan cohort programs: First Things First Pre-Orientation, the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, the Wesleyan Math and Science Scholars Program (WesMaSS), and the Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math-Science Program. 

These programs aim to promote equitable access of opportunities to, within, and beyond higher education. By focusing on strength in community, facilitating the development of mentorship, revealing the "hidden curriculum," connecting students with faculty and other professionals, and more, these Pathways to Inclusive Education programs serve to support students as they define and strive toward their goals. 

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    Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Program 

    The Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Program assists students from under-represented groups in preparing for, entering, and progressing successfully through postgraduate education. Since 2007 the program has supported dozens of students—many of whom were first-generation college, low-income, and from groups underrepresented in graduate school. The program provides guidance, research opportunities and academic support to students planning to pursue PhDs. 

  • First Things First Pre-Orientation

    FTF Pre-Orientation is a program created to welcome incoming FGLI (first generation to college and/or low-income) students as they transition to Wesleyan. The program was built for students who are among the first in their families to go to college, students from neighborhoods and school districts that did not always get the resources they deserved, students who are the first in their communities to travel away after high school, and more. The discussions and activities are designed to build community and to empower students they begin their college journey. 

  • Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship

    The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) aims to increase the presence of traditionally underrepresented groups and perspectives in institutions of higher learning in the U.S. MMUF achieves this by supporting students who are working toward applying to graduate school in a range of fields in the humanities and social sciences. The program provides summer and academic year funding, mentorship, and a community of students all exploring the possibility of earning a Ph.D.
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    Wesleyan Mathematics and Science Scholars Program

    The Wesleyan Mathematics and Science Scholars Program (WesMaSS) is a program designed to center and guide those students who have the opportunity to be trailblazers as they pursue studies in science and math. WesMaSS equips participants with the tools they need to get the most out of their first semesters of study, and empowers students to go on to advanced coursework in STEM majors. Scholars also have the opportunity to participate in research alongside Wesleyan faculty, preparing them for careers and graduate school in science and math fields after graduation.

  • Upward Bound Math-Science Program

    The Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science Programs are federally funded TRIO programs designed to strengthen the math and science skills of high school students from Meriden and Middletown. These programs are designed to help low-income and first-generation college students recognize and develop their potential to excel so they can successfully pursue post secondary degrees and, ultimately, fruitful careers. Activities, trips and involvement are designed to help students become more familiar with pathways to and through higher education.