Equity Initiatives

Student Access and Support (SAS) Grants 

High financial-need students are invited to apply for Student Access and Support (SAS) Grants, formerly known as opportunity grants, to assist with many essential and extracurricular expenses associated with life at Middlebury, including winter and professional clothing, travel support, technology assistance, and medical needs. SAS grants are funded by the Seizing Opportunities, Student Support, and Dean’s Emergency funds, as well as funding from Middlebury’s Student Government Association.   

Cohort Initiatives 

The Equity Initiatives team also supports a number of cohort groups with particular needs and experiences. Examples include the Posse and Wiley Foundations. 

Middlebury has been a proud partner of the Posse Foundation for over 25 years. Posse identifies, recruits and trains individuals with extraordinarily leadership potential, utilizing a cohort model facilitated by a faculty/staff mentor. Posse Scholars receive full-tuition leadership scholarships from Posse’s partner colleges and universities. Middlebury is the only small liberal arts college to partner with three cities – New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. At any given time, there are ~ 120 Posse Scholars enrolled.  

Wily Network

Middlebury College has been a proud partner of the Wily Network since 2017. The Wily Network serves students who are navigating college without a safety net—whether they grew up in the foster care system, are unhoused, come from a family with little to no household income, and/or are estranged from family members. We have expanded our connection with Wily in recent years and now enroll a cohort of 12-14 Wily Scholars each year, across all class years. These scholars meet regularly with a Wiley Coach to build the knowledge and skills to manage challenges and reach their goals. Along with support in making a budget and completing their financial aid forms, Wily Scholars receive a monthly stipend and extra help with their expenses as needed.