SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR CLASS OF 2010 LAUNCHED BY ST. LOUIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

St. Louis – Dr. Diana Bourisaw, Superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools, along with officials from College Summit today announced a new scholarship program aimed at sending all current 9th graders to college. The goal is to raise $20 million in scholarships for all eligible students currently enrolled in the Class of 2010.

“We must give our students – especially those in high school – hope that they will have the opportunity to go to college,” Dr. Bourisaw said. “At the same time, through this program, we can encourage our teens to stay in school, maintain decent grades, and learn how to become good citizens,” she added.

The district has already secured 125 scholarships from a major four-year university and 400 scholarships from a technical college. Additional details regarding those participating colleges and universities will be announced soon. SLPS is also working closely with Forest Park Community College in seeking donations and scholarships for additional students.

“We are well on our way towards the $20 million in scholarships,” said Stacy Clay, the executive director of College Summit, the organization which will oversee the scholarship program. “We will continue to seek additional opportunities for our students with other universities and colleges, as well as seeking private donations to the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation,” Clay said.

To be eligible for the program, currently enrolled 9th graders and their parent(s) or guardian must sign an agreement that the student will:

• Attend a St. Louis Public Schools high school for three consecutive years immediately prior to graduation;

• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 grading scale;

• Demonstrate an attendance record of 92% or greater;

• Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring of younger students or other community service in conjunction with the Office of Community Education;

• Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoidance of unlawful use of alcohol and drugs;

• Have an ACT score on record with the high school counseling office; and,

• Make a good faith effort to first secure all available federal post-secondary student financial assistance funds that do not require repayment, and evidence of completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to May 1st of the graduating year.

The goal is to continue the Class of 2010 Scholarship Program for every subsequent class. For example, many of the scholarships that have already been secured will continue annually for the coming years.

“We are working with the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation to establish a fund to help defray the costs of food, textbooks, and other essentials for students who qualify,” Bourisaw said. Individuals and businesses wishing to donate to the Class of 2010 Scholarship Program are encouraged to contact the:

St. Louis Public Schools Foundation
1415 Olive Street, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63103
www.slpsfoundation.org

Colleges and universities that have scholarship opportunities that might be appropriate for the Class of 2010 Scholarship Program are encouraged to contact College Summit at 314-345-4463.