The University of Cincinnati's Carl H. Lindner College of Business' Withrow University High School of Business Pathway to Lindner program was recently recognized with the Inspiring Programs in Business Award from INSIGHT into Diversity magazine.
The award recognizes university programs that support underrepresented students on their path to becoming future business leaders by providing support from recruitment through graduation. Pathway to Lindner was one of 22 programs recognized by INSIGHT into Diversity from a competitive pool of nominees. UC was previously recognized by INSIGHT into Diversity as a 2022 Diversity Champion for its scholarship programs for public school students.
Now in its second year, Pathway to Lindner supplies Withrow students with unique access to college-level courses designed to prepare them for future business coursework at UC or elsewhere. In addition, current Lindner students provide mentorship to Withrow students in the program.
"The fact that we're working with a school to get them prepared for any kind of higher education experience is why we thought this was an innovative program deserving of recognition," said Nick Castro, assistant dean, Office of Inclusive Excellence.
Melissa Baer, director of undergraduate enrollment, meets with a Withrow student in fall 2021.
The program lifts barriers to accessing college-level courses for students at Withrow, allowing them to take classes on-site at the school for free through Ohio's College Credit Plus (CCP) program. The courses offered through CCP aim to prepare students mathematically and ensure they are calculus-ready for a business program.
"I think we've seen that the students are prepared for the work," said Byrd. "They are students who are seeking out opportunities to get to the next level, whether they are interested in studying business in college or not."
But the program goes beyond the classroom to provide a 360-degree experience for students, giving them an academic advantage while also building relationships with Lindner faculty, staff and students.
"We try to connect with them as much as possible," Castro said. "It's about our ability to get to know the students and their ability to get to know not just faculty and staff, but other current Lindner students."
Pathway to Lindner participant Jamiah Mixon was recently celebrated as part of UC Decision Day, complete with a personal welcome to Lindner from Dean Lewis. These experiences, particularly meeting with current Lindner students, outfit Withrow students with the added confidence and the extra push to continue moving forward. For the students, seeing themselves represented in a university business program is invaluable.
"One of the most impactful parts we see is when students come to campus and they get to talk about their experiences," said Byrd. "Then they talk to our current students, students who have a similar background to them. And our students tell them, 'You know what? You can do this. I'm doing it and it'll be challenging, but it's worth it.' And, they'll say, 'Here are all the ways you can be supported as a student [at Lindner], all the ways you can be supported as a person and as you are growing and changing and navigating this time of your life.'"
While Baer and Byrd appreciate the recognition, this award functions more as a testament to the students' hard work and presents an opportunity to amplify their successes.
"These kids are phenomenal. And we love having them on campus, and we love seeing them in their high school, and we love hearing their stories," said Baer. "I guess at the end of the day, we love that someone else gets to hear their stories because of this award."
Withrow students tour Lindner Hall during one of the program's on-campus visits.
"It's nice to know that someone else values what we're doing, but I think this is one of those things where we're secure in the knowledge that this program is absolutely the right thing to do for us," Byrd said. "Everyone benefits from it. And it's all about the students."
As to where the program goes from here, Castro, Baer and Byrd agree that the Pathway to Lindner program will continue preparing students for long-term success and further Lindner's commitment to the Cincinnati community and CPS. One way they're doing this is by expanding the program to include more class offerings and opening enrollment in the program to sophomores in the near future.
Featured image: Withrow students meet with current Lindner students to discuss their experience with the admissions process. Photos by Danielle Lawrence.
