In partnership with the national Posse Foundation since 2001, Carleton identifies public high school students who have extraordinary academic and leadership potential and who may have been overlooked by the traditional college selection process. Carleton College works with the Posse Foundation to extend an opportunity for these students to pursue personal achievement and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams, “posses,” of ten students.

The concept of a Posse is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students — a posse — carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for increased individual and community development. Identified for their leadership ability and overall motivation to succeed, Posse Scholars head campus organizations, encourage dialogue and programming that fosters an inclusive campus environment, and achieve academic success.