With New Partnership, Whitman Expands Access for Talented Students

Whitman College has joined forces with Matriculate, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping high-achieving, historically marginalized students navigate the path to higher education. This partnership underscores both organizations’ shared commitment to breaking down barriers and providing transformative educational opportunities for underrepresented students.

“This collaboration reflects our mission to make a world-class education accessible to talented students from all backgrounds,” says Adam Miller, Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid at Whitman College. “By aligning with Matriculate, we can support a new generation of scholars as we continue developing a more diverse, inclusive campus community.”

Supporting Students Through the Pathways Partners Program

In recognition of its dedication to affordability, diversity and student success, Whitman becomes one of only seven colleges nationwide—and the sole institution in the Pacific Northwest—to be selected for Matriculate’s Pathways Partners program. As part of the collaboration, Whitman will meet the full demonstrated financial need of two or more Matriculate High School Fellows annually, ensuring that these students can thrive academically without financial obstacles.

Since 2014, Matriculate has provided free, personalized college advising to more than 17,000 high-achieving, low-income students through its network of over 4,500 undergraduate Advising Fellows. Matriculate’s Pathways Partners program connects students with colleges that demonstrate strong graduation rates, inclusive environments and robust financial aid policies.

“We are excited to partner with Whitman College to support hardworking students from under-resourced communities nationwide, helping them access higher education opportunities that match their talent. Whitman is uniquely positioned to drive social mobility for students from underserved backgrounds, empowering them to achieve their full potential,” says Bryden Sweeney-Taylor, Matriculate’s co-founder and interim CEO.

Strategic Initiatives Expand Academic Access

The partnership marks another milestone in Whitman’s efforts to expand access to underrepresented groups. In addition to joining forces with Matriculate, the college has recently launched initiatives like the Šináata Scholarship for members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Weingart Scholarship for Washington state students and its partnership with The Posse Foundation in Chicago.

The first Matriculate Fellows benefiting from this collaboration will graduate from high school in 2026. To support these students, Matriculate will promote Whitman to its network, train advisors on the college’s offerings and assist with virtual advising. Whitman will waive application fees for Matriculate Fellows and host tailored webinars and outreach events to meet their unique needs.

For both organizations, the collaboration is a meaningful step toward bridging gaps in college access and equity. As the first member of the Colleges That Change Lives consortium to partner with Matriculate, Whitman continues strengthening a campus environment that reflects the nation’s diversity and prepares students for impactful lives in a rapidly changing world.

For more information about Matriculate and the Pathways Partners program, visit their website.