Determined Low-Income Students (NAPSA)—While many students dream of obtaining a college degree, life sometimes gets in the way. The Dell Scholars college scholarship program, provided by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, recognizes students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their education. In turn, these Scholars serve as positive role models for their siblings, friends and communities. Since its inception in 2004, the Dell Scholars Program has awarded 1,250 scholarships totaling $25 million in scholarship funds. Most Scholars are first-generation college students, and are chosen because they participate in an approved college readiness program and maintain at least a 2.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale while dealing with personal responsibilities at home or in their communities. Scholars will receive $20,000 each to pursue their higher education for the nextsix years. “Our Dell Scholars don’t fit the typical merit-based scholar profile,” said Kevin Byrne, director, Dell Scholars Program at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “Rather, we award low-incomeor financially underserved students whoare better than their numbers may indicate in GPAsor test scores. Because we believe a college education can help break the cycle of poverty, we aim to provide these students with everything they need—including technology, resources and mentoring—to obtain a college degree and fulfill their dreams.” Requirements also include graduation from an accredited high school, demonstrated financial need and intent to enter a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution in thefall. The Dell Scholars Program was named the 2008 “Scholarship Provider of the Year” by the National Scholarship Providers Association because of its unique scholar profile and retention success. The program’s retention rate of more than 90 percent is well above the national average of 22 percent for students with the same socioeconomic profile. The following terms and conditions are designed to encourage retention and help Scholars finish college: Funds can be used for tuition, fees, on-campus room and board, and books. Scholarship can be used at community colleges to earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree. *Funds may be deferred to avoid scholarship displacement. *Upon earning a bachelor’s degree, remaining funds can go toward educational loans or graduate school. *Probationary policies allow students who misstep to access their scholarship once in compliance with terms. Qualifying high school seniors can find out more or apply at www.dellscholars.org. The applications period opens each November and closes the following January. The final Dell Scholars are announced each April.
