Bright, hard-working students who can\u2019t go to college because their families struggle to make ends meet, take heart. There may be college in your future. It\u2019s a promise.<\/p>\n
An exciting program designed to provide college scholarships over 10 years for up to 500 academically promising local high school students from poverty-stricken families is being launched by Wright State University and Sinclair Community College.<\/p>\n
Modeled after a program in Florida, the Montgomery County*Ohio College Promise program is believed to be the only one of its kind ever started in the Dayton area.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re just really proud to be part of this. It\u2019s the essence of what we\u2019re all about at Wright State,\u201d said Wright State President David R. Hopkins. \u201cWhat\u2019s so remarkable about this program is how it will change lives. It\u2019s not only changing their lives; it\u2019s changing a generation to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wright State will provide financial support from privately raised funds for 20 students a year, beginning in 2017. The $10,000 per student will include money for room and board. In addition, the students will be connected to advising and financial support services.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was an easy decision for us because of our mission, which is an access mission,\u201d said Jacqueline McMillan, vice president for enrollment management.<\/p>\n
The selected students enter the program as they leave 8th<\/sup> grade. As the students begin high school, caring and supportive adult mentors meet with them weekly to help keep them on track.<\/p>\n The students must pledge to maintain a strong record of attendance, stay away from alcohol, tobacco, drugs and crime, practice good citizenship, and take part in school or community-based activities.<\/p>\n After the students complete high school and meet college-entrance requirements, they will be awarded scholarships that enable them to attend Sinclair and\/or Wright State at no or little cost to them or their families.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a proven concept. It could really make a difference in Montgomery County,\u201d said retired businessman John Taylor, who donated $1 million as seed money.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have two wonderful partners in Wright State and Sinclair Community College,\u201d Taylor said. \u201cWithout their support, we never would have gotten it off the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Bright, hard-working students who can\u2019t go to college because their families struggle to make ends meet… Continue reading