Mellon Pathways Program supports and guides Brightpoint, Reynolds students transferring to VCU

From intensive advising to on-campus meals, the partnership creates a welcoming pipeline from the community colleges to VCU’s opportunities for research, internships and more.

Read more about the program in VCU News

Christine Singleton - B.A., English, ’23

Christine Singleton fell in love with literature at a young age, but the sudden death of her father caused Singleton to leave school early. When she was ready to return, Singleton found herself at Reynolds Community College and discovered the Mellon Pathways Program, which ultimately led her to VCU and the Department of English. And no surprise, Singleton thrived as a student at VCU.

“I’d forgotten what I was capable of,” Singleton said. “I have this confidence that I’d really forgotten that I had. I’m not a shy person, especially not in the classroom, and it feels really good to me to have my voice heard again.”

Learn more about Christine Singleton.

Micah White - B.S., Psychology, ’23

Micah White embodies a commitment to empowering others. From his early days navigating friendships and offering advice, White's passion for psychology and supporting people has been unwavering. His next steps involve pursuing graduate studies at VCU, aiming to become a clinical psychologist, equipping individuals and communities with tools for self-improvement. He credits the Mellon Pathways Program with helping him succeed.

“They helped me transition into VCU, which was honestly something that I really wanted to do,” White said. “I remember when I was in community college, my dad and I would often go up to Richmond. I felt like a little kid on Christmas, pressed up against the glass watching all of these students just en masse walking throughout campus. And I was like, ‘That’s so cool. I want to be one of those students,’ because it just felt like an authentic college experience, one that I had never had up until that point.”

Read more about Micah White’s VCU journey.

Carlton Nivens - B.A., Philosophy, ’23

At one point, Carlton Nivens didn’t see a four-year college in his future. Now the recent VCU graduate is helping pave the way for a new generation of students. Nivens took part in Mellon Pathways Program at Reynolds Community College, where he became a peer mentor to others who were interesting in transferring. He found his way to VCU in 2021.

“I have been peer-mentoring my entire time at VCU. It changed my perspective on life,” he said. “Before, I felt that something was missing in my life.”

Nivens has been serving future college hopefuls in other ways, too – including teaching computer science, coding, engineering and robotics to youths through his work at CodeVA, which promotes equitable computer science instruction across Virginia.

Learn more about Carlton Nivens.