Commitment to Access
Commitment to Access
When Barnard College opened its doors to young women in 1889, it opened a world of rigorous higher education to a segment of the New York City population that had previously been barred. Over one hundred and thirty years later, Barnard is still rewriting the narrative of inequity by working to remove barriers of access to historically underrepresented groups. Over 40% of Barnard students identify as students of color, and 16% are the first in their family to attend college. In addition to a plethora of supportive programs, our Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion continues to create strategies to promote equity throughout our beloved community.
Barnard Bound
Barnard Bound provides a taste of Barnard College for promising young women who are current high school seniors, attending school in the United States, and will be part of the first generation in their families to attend a 4-year college and/or come from a low-income background.
For 2024, Barnard will host a virtual Barnard Bound program to engage with students across the country. Our virtual Barnard Bound Scholars program will start in mid-September and continue through the end of October.
As a Barnard Bound Scholar, you will receive weekly sessions on a variety of topics including the following:
- Financial Aid: Get essential insights on navigating financial aid, including sessions open to parents and guardians.
- Mentorship: Learn about navigating college from our Barnard Student Admissions Representatives who will be a resource to you throughout the program.
- Campus Resources: Discover the wealth of support available to you on campus, from to Access Barnard to Beyond Barnard.
- Mock Class: Experience a Barnard classroom with a specially curated class taught by one of our professors.
- Scholars Community: Meet fellow Barnard Bound Scholars with activities that connect you with your peers and campus leaders.
What happens at Barnard Bound?
Barnard Bound programming includes panels, presentations, and conversations featuring current students, faculty, and staff — all with the unique lens of what it means to be first-generation/low income at Barnard and in spaces of higher education. Barnard Bound participants will also have access to virtual workshops throughout the fall to continue learning more about Barnard and the application process.
How do students apply for Barnard Bound?
Applications are now open for Barnard Bound 2024!
- Applications are due by August 30th at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
- Students will be notified with their decision on a rolling basis beginning September 6th.
- Only completed applications with all necessary materials will be considered.
Whom do I contact with questions?
If you have any questions about Barnard Bound, please contact Admissions at barnardbound@barnard.edu.
Access & Support Programs
Barnard is dedicated to recognizing academic excellence and leadership in students from all backgrounds. To that end, the College offers a variety of access programs for eligible students who have the spirit, drive, curiosity, and motivation that all Barnard students share.
As an Opportunity Programs (OP) scholar, you’ll be part of a small community that receives extra mentorship throughout all four years and beyond Barnard. Housed within the broader Access Barnard community, you will receive additional advising, support, and programming as you navigate your time with us!
(SP)2 Scholars benefit from an exceptional set of opportunities and resources, including four years of science faculty mentorship, paid summer research opportunities, and a week-long, expenses-paid trip to campus in the summer to meet science faculty and tour research facilities and departments.
Barnard College seeks to enroll the intellectual thinkers and leaders of tomorrow, regardless of citizenship status. Since 2015, the College has provided full financial support for undocumented young women of promise.
Identity and Inclusion Initiatives
We recognize that personal exploration into our intersectional identities allows all students to feel empowered to live unapologetically. Our identity and inclusion programs allow students to come together with their peers, faculty, and staff to explore their identities and to build networks of support and solidarity.
From Heritage Month programs to our Students of Color Leadership Retreat, Barnard students of color are able to explore the richness of their ethnic and cultural backgrounds and histories.
First-Generation/Low-Income Student Initiatives (FLI), an integral part of Access Barnard, provides specialized advising and support to all students who identify with the first-generation and/or low-income college experience. Access Barnard seeks to empower and enrich the experience of FLI students both inside and outside of the classroom as they navigate Barnard.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and allied communities on campus come together through a variety of programs to celebrate and empower each other.
Social Justice Programs
We all are responsible for building an equitable and inclusive community. Through Barnard’s social justice initiatives, you’ll be empowered to contribute to the conversation, lead, build community, and be an agent for social change.
The Barnard BLUE Series includes a variety of programming aimed at engaging students in intentional dialogues to explore their identities and what it means to foster inclusive communities.
A two-part series open to students, faculty, and staff that builds skills and deepens knowledge around issues of social justice.