High Point University has quickly become a key partner for the Annexstad Family Foundation. The Premier Life Skills University® ensures all undergraduates are prepared for life in and out of the classroom. High Point offers its students the chance to develop life skills, foster character and gain insight from experiential learning and through academics. With the first Leaders for Tomorrow Scholar named in 2019, High Point’s programming aligns with the Foundation’s mission of supporting the next generation of leaders.
As part of the institution’s holistic leadership development and student support model, every first-year student is assigned a Student Success Coach. More than academic advisors, these Coaches create a smaller niche community to promote engagement academically, socially and professionally all while establishing a sense of belonging.
The Student Support ecosystem at HPU was intentionally designed to promote self-efficacy amongst undergraduates. In Fall 2019, High Point expanded its Student Success Program services to a virtual format by introducing the RISE app. Stephanie Crofton, the Vice President for Experiential Learning and Career Development shares, “We developed a freshmen-focused program where students gain credit for learning life skills, going to career and professional development offices, attending a study abroad fair and learning about undergraduate research possibilities. A quick QR code scan logs their activities and activates credit badges.”
In addition to coaching and campus-wide services, Annexstad Leaders for Tomorrow Scholars have the opportunity to actively participate in High Point’s Bonner Leader Program. Since 2013, High Point has partnered with the Bonner Foundation to offer leadership development and service openings for low-income, first-generation students. Those in the program serve 6-8 hours per week at nonprofits and social innovation projects in the Greater High Point area.
Director of Service Learning, Dr. Joseph Blosser shares “A lot of what we do is connecting communities with institutions.” The profound positive impact of the Bonner Leaders has created a ripple effect in the region. Students participating in the program typically share their work with classmates, friends and peers engaging a greater number of High Point students into service and community work. With two current Annexstad students involved in the Bonner Leader Program, Scholars can create tangible impact with the support of the University.
Dr. Nido Qubein, President of High Point University shares, “Education has the power to create transformation. High Point University is grateful for The Annexstad Family Foundation and their partnership as we seek to transform the lives of talented first-generation college students. When these deserving students are equipped with premier life skills, an education grounded in their values and supported by caring people, they are capable of changing the world for the better. We are proud to contribute to this transformational journey of so many future leaders.”