The College of Humanities and Fine Arts Celebrates Opportunity Scholars Graduates
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The College of Humanities and Fine Arts celebrates the graduation of Skylar Broadway Burnett and Hector Martinez, two students in the Opportunity Scholars Program who are among the first to complete its full multi-year sequence. Since arriving at UMass Amherst, both students have participated actively in the program, which supports academic success, personal development, and campus engagement.
Launched as a college readiness and success initiative, the HFA Opportunity Scholars Program is designed for students who are first-generation, economically disadvantaged, and/or from historically underrepresented groups in higher education. The program helps students navigate the hidden curriculum, connect with peers and mentors, and access resources that support their goals during college and beyond.
Hector Martinez, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and completing an Honors Thesis, reflects on his academic experience at UMass Amherst:
“I have made life-long friendships, networked with some of the top faculty and professors in their fields, and learned so much. I learned what it meant to be a learner, motivated by my peers. I learned so much about myself, the world, and how I can make change, innovate, and inspire others. My time at UMass validated my opinion that everyone needs to experience this—experience what it means to be revolutionary.”
Hector plans to remain in Amherst to work full time at an architecture firm before applying to graduate school.
Skylar Broadway Burnett, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies, shared that the Opportunity Scholars Program provided valuable connections and opportunities:
“The program has given me opportunities to make friends and do things I would have otherwise never known about. Throwing events that other HFA students get to enjoy has been fun and rewarding. I have met many people here who I will always keep in touch with and who have made a deep, meaningful impact on my life.”
Skylar will begin a Master of Social Work program following graduation.
To learn more about the program or how to get involved, contact the Opportunity Scholars Program at opportunityscholars [at] umass [dot] edu (opportunityscholars[at]umass[dot]edu).