Social mobility in higher education refers to the ability of individuals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to improve their socioeconomic status through educational opportunities. It encompasses the process of moving from a lower income or social class to a higher one by acquiring education, skills, and opportunities that enable personal and financial growth.

Old Dominion University (ODU) is committed to promoting social mobility through various initiatives that support students from diverse backgrounds in achieving academic success and advancing their futures.

 

Social Mobility

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Social Mobility Initiatives

First Star Old Dominion University Academy

Check out what ODU is providing for our foster youth. First Star's Foster Youth Academies are the country's first long-term college-prep programs for high school foster youth that include four immersive residential summers on a university campus and monthly sessions during each school year.
Brother2Brother Org

Brother 2 Brother (B2B)

Brother 2 Brother is a SEES initiative dedicated specifically to assist African American, and Latinx men of color to excel academically, socially, culturally, and professionally.
Students in a classroom, watching a lecture

First-Generation @ ODU

First-Generation @ ODU aims to support students who are the first in their families to attend college. These initiatives are tailored to provide a range of resources to help first-generation students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Student Testimonials

Brad Lee ' 21

I'm a nontraditional low-income student with physical disabilities, and ODU's social mobility mission has played a key role in helping me overcome educational disadvantages. As a first-generation college student, I want to give my son the legacy of education. ODU has been a catalyst in allowing me to achieve my goals.

Tina Santee, Psychology Major