Optima Health Gives the Gift of Education to Virginia Wesleyan Students

Stephanie Smaglo

Philanthropic support funds summer bridge program for incoming Virginia Wesleyan University students

Virginia Beach, Va.—A recent gift from Optima Health will help pave the way to success for up to 50 Virginia Wesleyan University students this summer. The sponsorship funds will directly support the WesBridge Optima Health Scholars program, allowing incoming first-year students to begin their college careers with confidence and experience by arriving early on campus to complete coursework and participate in service learning activities through the University.

Optima Health was drawn to underwrite the program after learning of the success of its pilot term in summer 2021. Geared toward first-generation college students (but open to all incoming students), the program is designed to serve as a bridge between high school and the start of students’ college careers. Program costs are funded by Optima Health’s generous gift, with additional funding provided for scholarships and tuition assistance.

“Optima Health is excited to partner with Virginia Wesleyan University to offer the WesBridge Optima Health Scholars Program,” said Traci Massie, Optima Health Director of Government Programs. “Education is very important, as it empowers people, builds self-reliance, and provides stability in life. A good quality education is a fundamental component of a person’s well-being and good health.”

“Optima Health is dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve by striving to make a positive impact,” Massie continued. “Through the WesBridge Optima Health Scholars Program, students will have a platform that positively influences their college experience, furthers their academics, and improves their well-being.”

Students participating in the WesBridge Optima Health Scholars program will arrive on campus August 7 and engage in the program for two weeks before the start of the fall semester. Students will take their first college course, earning two credits through a mix of discussion, lecture, group activities, workshop time and assignments.

Scholars will live on campus in residence halls and participate in various student activities. VWU staff will offer orientation sessions to educate students on financial assistance, academic resources, health services, dining options, employment opportunities, and other aspects of the Virginia Wesleyan experience. Students will also participate in service learning projects in the Hampton Roads community through the University’s Wesleyan Engaged office.

“We want to give our students every chance to succeed here at Virginia Wesleyan University and beyond,” said Dr. Scott D. Miller, President of the University. “We are incredibly grateful to Optima Health for helping to make this program possible and for supporting these young learners—our next generation of leaders.”

Students interested in the WesBridge Optima Health Scholars program should email enrollment@vwu.edu or call 757.455.3208.

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About Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Wesleyan University (vwu.edu) is Coastal Virginia’s premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. Situated on a 300-acre park-like campus in Virginia Beach, the University annually enrolls approximately 1,600 students in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. Undergraduate degrees include a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Social Work with 42 majors, 31 minors, and 19 pre-professional tracks. Graduate degrees include a Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, and a Master of Arts in Education. Students thrive in average class sizes of 15 and through experiential learning, high-impact leadership, and career development programs. More than 90 percent of Wesleyan’s new graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. The state-of-the-art Greer Environmental Sciences Center, the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, Chesapeake Bay Academy, Tidewater Collegiate Academy, and other outstanding facilities and programs serve a vibrant campus community and regional partners in education. As a learning community located in the rich and unique ecosystems of Coastal Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay watershed, VWU is committed to promoting and developing the next generation of environmental stewards. The ongoing sustainability efforts of the University reflect a larger commitment to ethical conduct and social responsibility through environmental stewardship and education, as affirmed through the University’s Environmental Guiding Principles. An inclusive community dedicated to scholarship and service grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University inspires students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia’s dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world.