A West Virginia University freshman is benefiting from a 20-year, $1 billion initiative by the Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation. Joseph Wheeler, a pre-political science major from Northfork, is one of approximately 4,000 students nationwide to receive the inaugural Gates Millennium Scholarships.

Created last fall with a grant of private money from the Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation, the initiative intends to induct 1,000 new scholars each year. More than 62,000 students were nominated for the scholarships this year. The program is administered by the United Negro College Fund, in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the American Indian College Fund.

“We are extremely pleased to have a student the quality of Joe Wheeler in our program. Joe is already making his mark at West Virginia University, even though this is just his first semester. His performance to date is clear evidence of how important the Gates Scholarship is to students seeking a quality education,”said Allan Hammock, chairman of WVUs political science department in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

“Joe is one exceptional student and the Gates Scholarship will only enable him to excel even more, both in the classroom and as he pursues a career after receiving his degree. We are excited about Joe and his ability to compete nationally for the Gates award.”

Wheeler learned about the new Gates Millennium Scholars program during a visit to his guidance counselors office last fall at Mount View High School.

“I heard a lot of people all over the country had applied, so I was surprised when I got it,”Wheeler said.

At Mount View High School, Wheeler served as vice president of the student government and was a member of the Key Club and Young Democrats. Wheeler, who also received a WVU Storer Scholarship, plans to attend law school after completing his undergraduate work and, after practicing law for about 10 years, get involved in politics.

He is the son of Georgia Wheeler.

The Gates Millennium Scholars program provides merit-based scholarships that cover the remaining college costs minority students face after universities award financial aid packages. To be eligible for nomination, students must have at least a 3.3 GPA , be accepted or enrolled full-time in an accredited four year undergraduate program or accepted or enrolled in a graduate degree program in mathematics, science, engineering, education or library science for the year 2000-2001, demonstrate leadership skills and community involvement and show significant financial need.