The Ballou Impact Scholars Program at Tufts University is a pilot initiative designed to ensure that first-generation students, those from low-income backgrounds, and individuals from under-resourced school communities have everything they need to thrive at Tufts and beyond. The program offers comprehensive, integrated support spanning academic empowerment, mentorship, mental health services, and financial literacy, connecting students with faculty, staff, peers, and alumni to build a lasting sense of community and belonging. Rather than operating as a standalone add-on, the program weaves together existing Tufts initiatives into a seamless, personalized experience for each student it serves.

The ultimate goal is to prepare students for meaningful careers with positive global and civic impact, while increasing retention and graduation rates among underrepresented students. By cultivating the identity, resilience, and sense of purpose that students need to lead and contribute, the Ballou Impact Scholars Program serves as a model for what a more inclusive and holistic undergraduate experience can look like across the full university.