The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston reports the most diverse entering class in its history. This comes on the heels of success on the diversity front in the previous academic year.
During the 2015-16 academic year there were 129 students from underrepresented groups in the student body at the medical school Of these, 95 were African Americans. Black made up 13 percent of the student body. According to U.S. News & World Report, the Medical University of South Carolina enrolls the fifth highest number of African American students among medical schools that are not considered historically Black institutions.
One reason for the improved diversity numbers has been the Opening Doors medical scholarship program that was financed by donations. Since 2012, 27 medical students have received the need-based scholarships.
I’m surprised and impressed with the University of South Carolina. I’ve always thought of South Carolina as a pretty racist state and pleased to learn of the Opening Doors Medical Scholarship financed by donors.