In 2021, Hollins announced the creation of a scholarship that prioritized lifting the burden of private college tuition for students with financial need. Designed for students living in the greater Roanoke Valley region, the Hollins Opportunity for Promise through Education (HOPE) scholar program specifically supports young women who wish to pursue a college degree at Hollins with zero tuition debt.

The initiative is proving to be an unqualified success. Now in its second academic year, HOPE boasts 62 scholars who because of the program are able to realize their dream of attending college.

“HOPE makes a college education affordable for young women regardless of their ability to pay and supports them in taking the next step toward achieving their academic and professional goals,” said Ashley Browning, vice president for enrollment management.

As part of Hollins’ efforts to further enhance the already vibrant community of students from the Roanoke area and build a pipeline for HOPE, the university has launched a residential summer experience for local students with limited financial resources. Designed to support underserved high school students, Knowledge for Freedom (KFF) is an immersive, two-week liberal arts program in which “young women who are curious about college life can live on campus, explore their interests, and discover new opportunities for their future,” Browning explained. “The program is completely free to participants, including housing on our beautiful campus and food expenses. KFF provides students an opportunity to study and build connections with Hollins students and professors who are invested in their growth early in their college search.”

The 2024 KFF Summer Program will take place July 14-27. Visit hollins.edu/kff or scan the QR code to learn more.