BRISTOL – The Hearst Foundation, which support organizations in culture, education, and health and social services, has awarded Roger Williams University a $75,000 grant to support its Intercultural Leadership Ambassador program that provides full tuition scholarships to underrepresented students.

The program was launched in 2007 as part of RWU’s initiative to increase opportunities for students who demonstrate having overcome a life challenge in pursuit of education, are first-generation college students or speak English as a second language, and come from an under-resourced community.

“A diverse student body that represents a healthy mix of viewpoints means that each of our graduates emerges from college having worked side by side with peers in an environment reflective of broader society,” said Lynn Fawthrop, senior vice president of enrollment management and retention.

Each program student receives more than $120,000 in tuition dollars over four years. So far the university has awarded more than $6 million and graduated its second class of program scholars in May 2012. •