About Talent Development
Your Future Should Include a College Degree
The Talent Development Program at the University of Rhode Island could make it possible for you to be accepted for study at the University, prepare you to succeed in college and help you to pay the expenses of a college education. The Talent Development Program was begun in 1968 specifically to help young people who otherwise could not attend the University of Rhode Island. You may be eligible to join the hundreds of students who are now achieving their educational and professional goals. A college degree should be in your future.
History and Information About Pre-Matriculation
The Talent Development at URI was founded in 1968. As a response to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, URI decided to provide a special opportunity to students of color and students from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend the University. From a first class of thirteen students in 1968, Talent Development has grown to over 1200 strong.
What makes Talent Development "special"? First of all, our PREP Program, held on a Saturday in April, begins to familiarize you with the URI environment, and prepares you for the summer experience ahead.
Second, our Summer Pre-Matriculation Program, six weeks in residence on the Kingston campus, brings you an educational experience which many of our students mark as a turning point in their lives. This intensive program includes a writing course and two other university courses for a total of 8 credits. In addition, the first week includes supplementary instruction in college study skills and campus computing. Tutoring, counseling and computer support are provided.
If you complete Pre-matriculation successfully, you enter URI in September. You are first and foremost a student at URI, but still a member of Talent Development. Talent Development will provide special academic advising, tutoring and financial aid based on need. Perhaps most importantly, Talent Development is a "home away from home" for you during your four years at URI.
The success of Talent Development lies in our students. Doctors, lawyers, educators, business people, engineers - "TD" grads - are everywhere, in every walk of life. Think about it. You could be one of them.
