Together, we can remove barriers to opportunity
For some students in our schools, $100 is what stands between them and their college goals. Beginning as early as middle school, our first generation and disadvantaged students discover that the road to a four year college is littered with a series of $100 barriers.
Right now, capable students without access to resources are choosing not to enroll in advanced placement courses because they know they cannot afford the $100 exam at the end of the class. High achieving seniors are defaulting to community colleges because they cannot afford the $75 college entrance exam or the $95 college admission application. Not only are these students missing out on opportunities they have earned, but our community is missing out on exceptional talent that can help us build a more robust and inclusive economy.
This is a problem we can solve.
“I have big dreams and want to do something in the world that matters. But it is hard when I can’t afford to compete with other students, even though I know I am just as capable. This year I wanted to take two AP classes but I could only afford one. The Foundation’s help would mean that the only limit I face is my own determination.”
Our Strategy
In partnership with the district, we launched the NextGen Scholars program to cover these costs for participating students. Each year, we aim to award 50 first-generation college bound secondary students with a $1,000 scholarships that they can use toward the cost of AP exams, college admissions exams such as the PSAT, SAT and ACT, and college application fees. Additionally, the district will ensure that students have access to enhanced counseling and supports so we can proactively identify and remove barriers to their success.
With your help, we can remove these $100 barriers and empower students to reach for their goals and realize the true potential.
