MADISON, Wis. -- It's a short walk across the stage but for a posse of UW students, it's carrying some extra meaning. This posse isn't just a group of students, it's a new program at the UW focused on fostering diversity.

Four years ago Kannitha Sith became one of the very first members of the Posse Program. She was hand selected from inner city Chicago to be one of 10 students to receive a free four-year tuition along with support. Once selected, Kannitha went through a rigorous 32-week leadership training session.

"We learned about leadership development, we discussed issues of diversity and social justice," said Sith. Upon arrival at the campus she met up with the nine other members of her Posse. Every other week they would gather to discuss race and gender dynamics.

"Some of us were like, this is dragging," she said. "But I really appreciated the time we met together."

The goal of the Posse is to give students who might not normally attend a prestigious university, not only the opportunity to excel, but also to help change the very fabric of the campus. In this case, the UW hopes students like Kannitha reach out and impact as many people as possible.

"We want them to be successful as a student, finish their education and graduate with excellent records," said program director Walter Lane. "Secondly we want them to have an impact in terms of serving student organizations and clubs to help change the climate of this campus to a more welcoming place."

Currently the UW brings in two posses each year; one from Los Angeles and the other from Chicago. In the future, Lane said the goal is to expand to five cities.

"We are involved in Chicago and Los Angeles," he said. "However Posses exists in Washington, D.C., New York and Boston." Starting and running a Posse is not cheap. Each one costs $1 million over four years. All of that comes from private donations.

For more information or to make a donation you can call (608) 262-0855.