Opportunity Scholars Present at UMass Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Conference on Meaningful Program Experience

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By Chloe Borgida ’25

Each year, UMass community members are invited to participate in the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) conference, hosted by the Office of Equity and Inclusion. This year’s conference, held on Sept. 18, featured presentations and workshops by administrators, faculty, staff, and students. Among the presenters were students Alex Szanton and Trey Bookhart, who joined Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Professional Development Cara Takakjian to discuss “Cultivating Student Connectedness, Community, & Leadership through Comprehensive College Transition Programs.”

As part of the presentation, the students shared their experiences with the HFA Opportunity Scholars program, a multi-year initiative designed to enhance college readiness and success for students within the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. It fosters personal and collective empowerment, promotes scholarship and leadership, and encourages community engagement, while building connections between UMass students, alumni, and local cultural centers. 

Szanton, a junior in the Department of Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies, says the panel experience was nothing short of rewarding. Though being featured in such a meaningful conference felt daunting at times, both students say they felt confident, well-supported, and prepared to speak in front of the sizable audience. 

“It was definitely exciting to see that other colleges are looking to create and expand programs similar to ours,” Szanton says.

Bookhart, a junior Japanese major, says speaking in front of a large audience was nerve wracking, but having the support of fellow students and panelists was both reassuring and comforting. 

Both Szanton and Bookhart attest to the meaningful friendships they have made throughout their time in the Opportunity Scholars program. 

“Opportunity Scholars is something we’ve all been in since freshman year,” Bookhart says. “We’ve had the opportunity to stick with each other throughout college. It’s really been cool because we've maintained those friendships throughout college. We’re working together doing projects for events, so it’s cool working with your friends.”

Through this program, Szanton says they have been able to fund their passion in sign language, as they are able to purchase textbooks and other class materials. Bookhart has funding from the program to purchase materials and textbooks for all his classes. Both scholars say they are grateful for the opportunities that have been possible from the grant. 

“I can really say that I’m friends with everyone in Opportunity Scholars,” Szanton says. “It really feels like a family.”

The Opportunity Scholars program is open to incoming first-generation students; students who belong to a historically underrepresented group; and students who are low income, eligible for the Pell Grant, or under-resourced. If you meet this criteria and are interested in joining the HFA Opportunity Scholars, please reach out to the HFA Advising and Career Center at advising [at] hfa [dot] umass [dot] edu.