Drake University announced that it will greatly expand its Crew Scholars program, which has been successful in helping to close long-standing racial disparities in retention rates, grade-point averages and graduation rates. Currently, 20 to 25 first-year students are admitted to Crew Scholars. In fall 2022, 60 to 75 first-year students will be admitted. The program is open to first-year students of color who have already been admitted to Drake. Successful applicants to the program receive an assigned mentor, participate in a mandatory community-building class each semester, and receive a 50% tuition discount or a $500 Crew scholarship per year. “Crew Scholars has transformed lives,” said Jazlin Coley-Smith, Drake University director of equity and inclusion. “Next fall we will help fulfill the promise of a Drake education for more students, which brings me incredible joy.” Incoming first-year Drake students for the Fall 2022 semester can apply to the program or find more information at drake.edu/academics/undergraduate/crew.