THE COMPANY SCHOLARS: A Full-Tuition Scholarship Program for Jesuit and Cristo Rey High School Students

As a Jesuit Catholic institution, Fairfield is committed to providing pathways to higher learning for under-represented students from diverse communities, with a particular focus on students who may be the first in their families to attend college.

Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, recently reminded faculty and staff that in 1942, “Fairfield was founded to ensure that first-generation immigrants of the broader Bridgeport region could receive a rigorous and enriching university education.”

Initiatives like Fairfield Bellarmine continue this regional legacy, while programs such as the Company Scholars extend Fairfield’s radical hospitality across the United States.

The Company Scholars is a unique program that awards full four-year funding and enhanced programming to a select group of high-achieving Jesuit and Cristo Rey high school graduates (the Cristo Rey is a network of Jesuitinspired schools).

In its first year, the Company Scholars program set out with a goal of recruiting 10 to 12 scholars; this fall, Dr. Nemec was pleased to announce that the admission team had far exceeded that goal, recruiting a cohort of 16 inaugural Company Scholars. The program’s recruitment goal has been increased to 20 for next year.

In order to apply, students must be enrolled as a senior at a Cristo Rey Network or Jesuit high school. Drawing from traditionally underrepresented populations, applicants must meet Fairfield’s academic profile for admission and have made meaningful contributions to their community.

Students admitted into the program receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to Fairfield, inclusive of room and board, and are connected with faculty mentors, academic and career advisors, and study abroad and research opportunities designed to establish a network of support statistically proven to increase retention rates.

“Fairfield University is committed to providing a values-based, studentcentric, outcomes-focused education that is attainable to all students,” said Corry Unis, vice president of enrollment management. “The Company Scholars program further enhances our commitment to serving diverse populations and making sure that a Fairfield education is affordable and accessible. As a University, we want to continue to invest in our students, as well as diversify our population, and this new program is just one of many initiatives we are committed to upholding.” l F