Starting in the 2024-25 school year, the Posse Foundation will send two additional cohorts from New York City and Houston to Vanderbilt. Scholars receive four-year, full-tuition scholarships to attend Vanderbilt. 

The Posse Foundation, a nonprofit that assists student leaders with potential that Posse says could be overlooked by “traditional admissions criteria” during the transition to college, has partnered with Vanderbilt since it was founded in 1989. Posse scholars enter the same school with a cohort from their city (a “posse”) and receive support and mentorship from Posse alumni and staff.

“We are proud to expand our long-standing relationship with Posse Scholars. The Posse Foundation has been a leader in enabling access for some [of] the country’s most promising students who might not otherwise be identified in the admissions process,” Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said in a July 7 press release.

Posse’s mission statement says the foundation aims to build a cohort of future leaders that truly represents the United States’ increasingly multicultural society. Vanderbilt Posse Scholar Kelsey Miu, a junior, explained the importance of elevating qualified students who are systematically underrepresented.

“I think it is really important to support organizations that celebrate diversity and promote ethical leadership. In a multicultural society, it’s important that we empower people of diverse backgrounds with a heart for others with resources and opportunities to lead change,” Miu said.

Junior Anisa Utilla, president of Vanderbilt Posse Scholars, emphasized that the scholarship is not the only key component of Posse. She explained that the program also provides support for scholars on every level via fellow scholars, Vanderbilt Posse staff and the national Posse Foundation.

“Mentors have helped so much, from writing a letter of recommendation or listening to me ramble. Posse National is full of great people; I couldn’t speak higher [of them],” Utilla said. 

According to Posse’s website, the program was founded after an unnamed student said they would not have dropped out of college if they had their “posse” with them. Scholars stick with their Posse throughout college recruitment in high school and their undergraduate experience.

“I love my Posse. Individually, they are smart and humble, but together they are chaotic and maniacal. From my Posse, I learn to take chances, pursue untraditional paths and be a better friend,” Miu said.

As president, Utilla has worked to foster relationships between Posses, established a mentorship program and hosted a welcome ceremony for new scholars, which she plans to continue for next year’s three incoming cohorts.

“Your Posse becomes your family. I wouldn’t be able to make it through without them,” Utilla said.