Mellon Pathways to VCU

Join the Program

The Mellon Pathways Program is a partnership between Brightpoint Community College, Reynolds Community College (Reynolds) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). The program offers pathways, resources and support for students who are completing their associate degree at Brightpoint or Reynolds and planning to transfer to VCU to complete their bachelor’s degree in the arts or humanities. The grant-funding cycle for the program ended in May 2025 and, unfortunately, we are not actively recruiting new students.

However, we are actively recruiting for the Mellon Research Fellows program. As a Mellon Research Fellow, you will receive a stipend to support the development of a research project alongside a faculty member, and present your work at a year-end gathering. Fill out an application for the 2025-2026 Mellon Research Fellows cohort to get started. 

Mellon Research Fellows

Mellon Research Fellows is one element in the Mellon Pathways program; all students in the Pathways program can apply to be a Mellon Research Fellow.

Mellon Research Fellows are motivated Mellon Pathways program students who will:

• Work with a faculty member on a research project, and
• Present at an end-of-year gathering.

Mellon Research Fellows receive:

• Preparation for upper-level university work, and 
• Enhanced mentorship and advising, and 
• A $5000 stipend for the school year to use towards tuition, books, school supplies and equipment, professional development and student activities. 

Selection of the The Mellon Research Fellows will be based on application essay, GPA and other evidence of commitment to obtaining a bachelor’s degree. View previous research projects to learn more. 

If you are interested in becoming a Mellon Research Fellow, please contact one of our staff (see below). 

Contact Us

Briana Hernandez
Brightpoint Transfer Coach (Midlothian)
804-594-1564

Janelle Marshall 
Mellon Pathways Program Director
804-819-4934