Since they started the program in fall 2005-06, many have been taking part in roundtable discussions designed to develop the interpersonal and professional skills needed to flourish at Ohio University and after graduation. Leadership, goal-setting and time management are just a few of the topics they've tackled.

"It is time that the upperclassmen transition from receivers of information to givers of information and give back to their peers," said Greta Oliver, who oversees the program for the Office for Multicultural Student Access and Retention.

An initiative of President Roderick J. McDavis, the Urban Scholars Program is designed to increase campus diversity and enhance opportunities for high school students from urban areas to attend Ohio University. To qualify for the renewable scholarship, students must demonstrate both academic merit and financial need.

Students also have the opportunity to take advantage of academic support seminars, mentoring experiences, leadership seminars, residential learning communities and internships.

Like their predecessors, this year's group of Urban Scholars is eager to make their mark. Here's what they have to say about themselves.

	My name: Chrysten Crockett My hometown: Garfield Heights, Ohio My major: Undecided Academic accomplishment I am most proud of: Being a member of National Honor Society, maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher throughout my high school career and receiving the Urban Scholarship Qualities of my favorite teacher: A passion to inform, a desire to see his/her students succeed and a (drive) to do what he/she can to make sure of that as long as the student is willing to listen Best advice anyone has given me: No one can take anything from you unless you let them, so stand strong for what you believe in and nothing will ever be taken from you What I am most excited about at Ohio University: Getting outside of my comfort zone and trying lots of new things If I could research any topic, I would research: The current, hidden scandals in our government My dream job: Working as a publicist or PR person for a Fortune 500 company
	My name: Brian Davis My hometown: Cleveland, Ohio My major: Civil engineering Academic accomplishment I am most proud of: Graduating from high school in three years Best advice anyone has given me: Never let anyone tell you that you can't, and believe in yourself Why I chose Ohio University: It was a fun and quiet place far from friends I am most nervous about: The transition to college and becoming overwhelmed with my studies Current issue that is most important for my generation: Teen pregnancy and the high dropout rate in our public schools
	My name: Naomie Jeantine My hometown: Columbus, Ohio My major: Undecided I most admire: My sister Lucia, who is the first in my family to not only graduate from college, but also from graduate school Why I chose Ohio University: To build a legacy and because Ohio University recognized my hard work: I wanted to "discover the promise." What I hope to achieve in my first year at Ohio University: Dean's List Most people think I'm: a leader, but really I'm the child of Haitian parents who had to overcome many obstacles and dared to make a difference. I had to first follow the people that I admire the most to become the leader I am today. If I could be the ambassador to any country, I would choose: Haiti, so that I may give back to my heritage
	My name: Donald Lindsay My hometown: Columbus, Ohio My major: International business Academic accomplishment I am most proud of: Graduating with college prep status, an honors diploma and as salutatorian of my class. I most admire: My father Best advice anyone has given me: You have to take what you want: There are no handouts. Class I am most looking forward to: Black media Movie I think everyone should see: "The City of God" My dream job: Traveling the world
	My name: Victoria Little My hometown: Cleveland, Ohio My major: Theater Why I chose Ohio University: I love the scenery and the welcoming presence on campus What I hope to achieve in my first year at Ohio University: To be known as the next big actress on campus. Current issue that is most important for my generation: The next president and where we stand in the world. My dream job: To be an actress who also has an accounting business If I could have any superpower, I would choose: To bring peace to the world
	My name: Roger Oatman My hometown: Cleveland, Ohio My major: Computer engineering Class I am most looking forward to: computer engineering courses I am most nervous about: Keeping solid friendships and working on relationships Current issue that is most important for my generation: Continuing to forward the civil rights of Americans If I could research any topic, I would research: The people who worked under and contributed to the success of the people we hear about. Most people think I'm: negative, but really I'm more skeptical and realistic.
	My name: Habibat "Funmi" Saheeb My hometown: Columbus, Ohio My major: Political science with an English minor Best advice anyone has given me: Charity begins at home Why I chose Ohio University: I really loved the atmosphere when I came to visit and everyone made me feel welcome. If I could research any topic, I would research: Genocide in Uganda and Rwanda because the issue is serious and people should be aware of the horrible things that go on in other countries. My unknown talent: speed reading If I could be the ambassador to any country, I would choose: Nigeria because that is the country where my parents come from and I could do a lot of things to improve the country.
	My name: Renina Smith My hometown: Westwood (Cincinnati), Ohio My major: Journalism I most admire: My mother: She shows determination, drive and strength in everything she does Qualities of my favorite teacher: She likes and admires her students and she listens to what we say, even when we disagree with her Best advice anyone has given me: When you are making your own path never look to the left, right or behind you What I hope to achieve in my first year at Ohio University: I hope to become more educated and I want to continue showing scholarly behaviors Book I think everyone should read: "Kindred," the book explains all cultures and demonstrates how people can defy expectations and band together
	My name: Ashleeann Washington My hometown: Dayton, Ohio My major: Undecided Why I chose Ohio University: Offered me the option of studying a major in something that I also enjoy like marketing or public relations Class I am most looking forward to: Precision Language 133, English classes, Journalism 105 I am most nervous about: Being social enough: Sometimes I try to be too independent and I lose track of my friends If I could research any topic, I would research: How different African-American leaders of the 1960's approached the Civil Rights Movement If I could have any superpower, I would choose: Read people's minds
	My name: Shirley Wilson My hometown: Cleveland, Ohio My major: Undecided Best advice anyone has given me: If there's a problem, be the solution What I am most excited about at Ohio University: Being on my own and being responsible for my own actions Book I think everyone should read: "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," it's a book that shows that any struggle is possible to overcome. The book relates to young people that go through similar issues. My dream job: To find a cure for AIDS and cancer because many people are struggling with this disease all around the world. I want to be a person who impacts the life of others. If I could be the ambassador to any country, I would choose: Jamaica, because I would love to experience a different culture and tradition of life.

Coming up: Outlook will introduce this year's Appalachian Scholars.