In response to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, and in recognition of the value of his work towards equality, the University of Rhode Island (URI) established a special admission program for Rhode Island's students of color and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. From a class of 13 students in 1968, Talent Development (TD) has grown to more than 1,300 current students and 1,600 graduates.
The mission of TD is to recruit, admit, support, and retain in-state students of color and students from disadvantaged backgrounds who, without the support of TD, could not expect to be admitted to URI. Talent Development:
Opportunity, Family, and Community: TD Nation.
Click here to view past Summer Program mission and vision statements.
In 1968, 13 students matriculated at URI through Talent Development. Currently, there are more than 1,300 students and more than 1,600 graduates.