Act Six Leadership & Scholarship Initiative

The Act Six Leadership & Scholarship Initiative connects urban ministries and faith-based colleges in order to equip emerging urban leaders to engage the university campus and their communities at home. Whitworth launched the first Act Six affiliate in 2002 in partnership with the Northwest Leadership Foundation, and has since supported the establishment of new affiliates in Alaska, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington. Act Six continues Whitworth's longstanding commitment to be a place where the richness of an education of mind and heart is available to all people.

Whitworth University's Act Six scholars represent six continents and speak 13 native languages. More than 67 percent are first-generation college students and 79 percent are from low-income families. All 11 members of Cadre One graduated in 2007, and 36 out of 40 scholars originally selected for cadres 2 through 5 are still enrolled at Whitworth – reflecting graduation and retention rates that far exceed national averages. Furthermore, Act Six scholars are active as participants and leaders in athletics, community service, international study programs, music, student leadership and enriching campus discourse inside and outside the classroom.