Mellon Pathways to VCU

Tyler students with Rodney the Ram

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.

Students participating in the Mellon Pathways Program also have the opportunity to apply to become a Mellon Research Fellow, where they will receive a stipend to support conducting a research project with a faculty member and presenting their work at a year-end gathering.

Being a part of the Mellon Pathways Program provides students with access to resources and a support system to enhance their academic success. It also gives them an opportunity to save money on tuition by taking classes at the community college that count: count towards their degree, count in their future, and count for transfer.

Program Benefits

Students will receive enhanced advising about course selection, transfer logistics, and financial aid, along with major and career exploration, and additional support through and after the transfer process. In addition, as part of the Pathways program, students will:

  • Participate in free activities, events, and workshops at VCU, at Brightpoint, and around Richmond.
  • Become acquainted with VCU before transfer and be part of a supportive community of students and faculty.
  • Have access to scholarships reserved specifically for students in the program.
  • Take classes at VCU while still at Brightpoint and receive guaranteed admission to VCU for those who successfully complete the Pathways program.
  • Have additional internship opportunities and preparation for career and graduate school goals.
  • Have the chance to become a Mellon Research Fellow and receive a $5000 stipend.

Eligibility Requirements

We encourage applications from students who plan to complete their associate degree at Brightpoint and then transfer to VCU for a bachelor’s degree and who also:

  • Are interested in one of the Pathways majors:
    • african american studies,
    • anthropology,
    • art history,
    • English,
    • foreign language,
    • gender, sexuality & women's studies,
    • history,
    • interdisciplinary studies,
    • international studies,
    • mass communication,
    • music,
    • philosophy,
    • religious studies, or
    • theatre,
    • or who are undecided with interest in arts or humanities.
  • Have completed 15 or fewer credits at time of declaration or who have the permission of the program director.
  • Are able to attend orientation.  

The program is also open to incoming students who plan to begin at Brightpoint in the next semester.

Contact the Mellon Pathways program director, Janelle Marshall, to discuss and determine possible eligibility.

Participant Expectations

Each semester, each student will choose three Pathways program social gatherings, workshops, campus tours, cultural outings, online modules or other events and have two advising sessions with their transfer coach. Continuation in the program requires:

  • Maintaining a 2.50 GPA and completing at least 6 degree-applicable credits with a C or better each fall and spring semester.
  • Completing ENG 111 and the first college-level MTH course in the semester immediately following completion of any MTE or ENF courses (excluding summer), and completion of ENG 111 and ENG 112 and the first college-level MTH course with a C or better in the first 30 credits.

Apply Now

Log in to your VCCS/Brightpoint email account and fill in the online declaration form to be considered for Mellon Pathways. Declarations will be accepted year-round.

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,
  • Present at end-of-year gathering, and 
  • Participate in at least Pathways program per semester.

Mellon Research Fellows receive:

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

If you are interested in becoming a Mellon Research Fellow, please contact a transfer coach:
 
Katy Brooks
Chester Campus 
Moyar Hall M107G
804-706-5230

Briana Hernandez
Midlothian Campus
Eliades Hall, E215
804-594-1564

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.

Questions?

Contact:

Katy Brooks, Brightpoint Transfer Coach (Chester) at 804-706-5230
Briana Hernandez, Brightpoint Transfer Coach (Midlothian) at 804-594-1564
Ian Coyle, VCU Transfer Coordinator at 804-827-8216
Janelle Marshall, Mellon Pathways Program Director at 804-819-4934

Current Pathways Program Participant Resources