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Cornell University and Skidmore College Join QuestBridge

Palo Alto, California (January 18, 2024) –QuestBridge is proud to announce Cornell University and Skidmore College as its two newest college partners. QuestBridge’s 52 college partners are top liberal arts colleges and research universities dedicated to increasing the presence of high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds on their campuses and to making their institutions accessible and affordable to talented students. All college partners also share a commitment to helping students thrive and succeed in college and beyond.

“We are honored to welcome Cornell University and Skidmore College into the QuestBridge partnership,” says Ana Rowena Mallari, Co-Founder and CEO of QuestBridge. “These world-class colleges offer our students new opportunities to realize their full potential and thrive on campus and beyond. We look forward to partnering with these outstanding schools in the months and years ahead.”

Founded in 1865 in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private university with a public mission. As the federal land-grant institution in New York State, they have a unique responsibility to make contributions in all fields of knowledge in a manner that prioritizes public engagement to help improve the quality of life in the state, the nation, and the world. Public service is a pillar of Cornell academics; it not only enriches the community, but encourages students to understand how ideas work in the real world. “Cornell University was founded as a university where 'any person can find instruction in any study.' We are proud of our commitment to making Cornell affordable and accessible to high-achieving low-income students. This partnership with QuestBridge will enable Cornell to reach and connect with even more talented applicants from across the United States who will bring unique experiences and perspectives to the Big Red community,” said Lisa H. Nishii, PhD, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education & Vice Provost for Enrollment at Cornell University.

A vibrant liberal arts campus in Saratoga Springs, NY, Skidmore College is a place where students will be encouraged to connect different modes of thinking and ideas from multiple fields. Skidmore’s intentionally broad, flexible, and supportive education experience makes it easy to dive into a singular passion or mix and match what matters by adding a minor, pursuing a double major, or creating an altogether different path. With direct access to an array of peer mentors, career coaches, engaged alumni, and health and wellness counselors, students have a team of people supporting them in every endeavor, every step of the way. “At Skidmore, we are extremely proud and honored to partner with QuestBridge, an institution whose work bespeaks our long-held values of inclusion, diversity, and access – all of which we know to be essential to a rich, meaningful educational experience for all our students,” said Marc C. Conner, President of Skidmore College. “This collaboration will further strengthen our efforts to identify and attract talented students from all backgrounds and help them realize their full potential at Skidmore.”

Cornell and Skidmore will participate in QuestBridge events in 2024 geared toward helping high school juniors selected as QuestBridge College Prep Scholars prepare for selective college admissions. In fall 2024, these two college partners will participate in the QuestBridge National College Match, a college and scholarship application process that connects students from low-income backgrounds with admission and full four-year scholarships to QuestBridge college partners. The first QuestBridge Scholars at these new partners will matriculate in fall 2025.

For more information about Cornell University and Skidmore College, please visit www.questbridge.org.

About QuestBridge:

QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further life opportunities. By recruiting, developing, and motivating these students — beginning in high school through college to their early career — QuestBridge aims to help talented students attend the nation’s best colleges and to support them to achieve success in their respective careers and communities.