CONTACT: Shikha Bhatnagar, Vice President, External Relations, Matriculate, [email protected], 646-408-3561;
Amanda O’Rourke, Public Relations Manager, Susquehanna University, [email protected], 570-372-4650.
SELINSGROVE, PA, April 17, 2025 — Susquehanna University has joined Matriculate, a national nonprofit organization, as its newest Pathways Partner. Susquehanna joins a select group of higher education institutions that are partnering with Matriculate to break down boundaries for high school students from low-income and historically marginalized backgrounds who are seeking a college education.
Matriculate’s Pathways Partnership program opens doors for high-achieving high school students by connecting them with the guidance and support they need to access colleges like Susquehanna where they have the talent to thrive but may face barriers due to limited financial means or resources.
Through this new partnership, Susquehanna has committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need for at least two Matriculate students admitted to the university, eliminating a significant barrier to attending college and allowing students to focus on their academic and personal growth. As part of the agreement, Matriculate High School Fellows must still apply for admission and financial aid.
“Susquehanna was founded on the principle of economic access, and we take great pride in our longstanding commitment to delivering a transformative education to meritorious students from all backgrounds,” said Justin Rummel, vice president for enrollment at Susquehanna. “We are proud to collaborate with institutions to expand opportunities for meritorious students who are ready to begin their futures here.”
Matriculate is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the organization that also funds the American Talent Initiative, which brings together a diverse set of public and private institutions united in a shared goal of educating 50,000 additional high-achieving, lower-income students across the country. Susquehanna was one of the institutions lifted up by the ATI for maintaining Pell-eligible enrollment above 25%, an above-average share amongst other private, high-graduation rate institutions.
“We’re honored that Susquehanna University has joined as one of Matriculate’s Pathways Partners,” said Bryan Contreras, managing director of program partnerships & growth at Matriculate. “It’s so exciting to think about the transformative experience that awaits students in our program who are looking for a small, affordable, liberal arts learning community. Our work together will impact many deserving students.”
Matriculate provides personalized, near-peer advising to high-achieving high school students from underserved communities, helping them through the complexities of college admissions and financial aid at no cost. Since 2014, Matriculate’s network of more than 4,500 undergraduate advisers has supported over 17,000 students in their journey to and through college.