Your Giving in Action: OTHC Hits Record Participation

Thanks to the support of donors and corporate sponsors, the Our Time Has Come (OTHC) Program is supporting a record number of 123 OTHC Scholars and 41 OTHC Leaders for the Spring 2023 semester.

“Our ability to increase the number of scholarships we provide students and to expand programming for nonscholarship students is the direct result of increased funding from our supporters,” says Maria J. Lopez ’05, G’12, assistant director of scholarship programs in the Office of Multicultural Advancement. “We are on track to increase that number to 200 participants by Fall semester 2023.”

The OTHC Scholarship Program was established in 1987 to assist first-generation and underrepresented students through scholarship awards based on academic achievement and unmet financial need. To date, more than 1,500 scholarships have been awarded and the program boasts a 100% graduation rate. This year, OTHC supports 123 Scholars who receive an average scholarship of $3,000 for the academic year. In addition to full-time undergraduate students, the program provides scholarship support for graduate students and to part-time students attending Syracuse through the College of Professional Studies.

In addition, the program provides leadership development training, alumni networking opportunities, corporate immersions and mentorship from Syracuse University alumni and friends. In 2020, the OTHC Leaders program was created to offer this component of the program to students who do not qualify for scholarship support.

The Office of Multicultural Advancement is working to keep those numbers growing. “We hear repeatedly from participants and alumni about the impact that OTHC has had on their ability to earn a Syracuse University education and to launch their careers,” says Rachel Vassel ’91, G’21, associate vice president of multicultural advancement. “Despite amazing progress over the past three decades, providing support for future generations remains as important as ever and we are thankful for the alumni and friends who partner with us toward this effort.”