Reig! om= erga a eon ahi ‘anhose ite peo Tha ag "hsry et A rlay ein ere| h Salebg; og se “ici toe n ‘ade gach cbea and ia ae0 “anessuet OF EDUCATION ”al had Scholarship program For Low-Income Students Determined To Succeed (NAPSA)—While many students dream of a college degree, life sometimes gets in the way, particularly for those with responsibilities at home or in their communities. Fortunately, there may be a solution. There’s a scholarship program that recognizes students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their education. In turn, these mostly first-generation college students serve as positive role models and change the trajectories for their siblings, friends and communities. The scholars get $20,000 each, as well as technology, resources and mentoring to ensure they have the support they need to obtain a college degree. The program has paid out $15 million in almost 1,000 scholarships. To qualify, students must participate in an approved college readiness program and maintain at least a 2.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, graduate from an accredited high school and demonstrate financial need and intent to enter a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution. “The Dell Scholars program is more than a check,” said Kevin Byrne, director, Dell Scholars program at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “Rather, we try to provide our scholars with everything they need to begin andfinish college. These students are lowincomeor financially underserved students who are better than their numbers may indicate in GPAs or test scores, and have overcome some significant obstacles to pursue their education. We want to help them fulfill their dreams and break the cycle of poverty through a college education.” The scholarships’ terms and conditions are designed to keep the scholars in school until they obtain their degree. As a result, the program’s retention rate is 89 percent, well above the national average of 22 percent. Scholars are allowed six years to complete their bachelor’s degree, can use their funds toward several categories of tuition and expenses and can apply their scholarship toward community colleges to earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Special deferment options and probationary policies let students who misstep get back on track. Any funds remaining upon earning a bachelor’s degree can go toward educational loans or graduate school. Qualifying high school seniors can find out more or apply for a scholarship at www.dellschol ars.org between November and January.
