Teens Earn Money for College as New Century Scholars
education, higher education, new century scholars program, the foundation of wilkes community college, wilkes,
It’s no secret that college tuition rates are on the rise, making it difficult for many young people to pursue higher education. But 19 local students will be heading to college in fall 2008 thanks to the innovative New Century Scholars program.
“If I didn’t have this scholarship, I probably wouldn’t be going to college,” says Rejeana Brown, 17, who is planning a career in pediatric nursing. “If it wasn’t for them, I’d be flipping burgers somewhere.”
The program was started during the 2001-02 school year by the Communities In Schools organization. It offers scholarships to select sixth-grade students, giving them a big incentive to study hard in school. Those who do so are eligible to attend Wilkes Community College free of charge.
Glendora Chipman, executive director of CIS, says New Century scholars are required to maintain passing grades and graduate from high school on time. They are also expected to give at least 10 hours of community service each year.
“This is our first graduating class, and we are so proud,” Chipman says of the 2008 scholars class.
“The service requirement is important. They learn so much about themselves and what it means to give back to the community. They know how to work toward a goal and make an investment in their future.”
Brown, who graduated from North Wilkes High School in June, will be the first in her family to attend college.
“The program means a lot to me,” she says. “It’s been a big part of my life for the past six years – working to keep my scholarship and complete my service hours. All the students are good friends, and it makes me feel good to be part of the first graduating class.”
Communities In Schools organizers encourage businesses, individuals, and church or civic groups to sponsor students with a $1,000 tax-deductible contribution.
The Foundation of Wilkes Community College manages the funds, while CIS provides counseling and assistance to students and helps pursue additional scholarships and grants.
“The community has really gotten behind the program, sponsoring students and offering their support,” Chipman says.
“This is a last-dollar-guaranteed program. We help them secure as much as they can, and then the scholarship fund pays the difference.”
But according to Dr. Dean Sprinkle, vice president of instruction/student services at WCC, the program does not end with the scholarship.
“In addition to financial support, we plan to follow the students’ progress and help them make a smooth transition to college life,” Sprinkle says.
Brown says the support she has received through the New Century Scholars program will make her freshman year much easier.
“Everyone at Communities In Schools has been great, and the nursing program instructor at Wilkes Community College has been a big help, helping me pick out classes,” she says.
In addition, the 2008 scholars all received provisional membership in Phi Theta Kappa – an international honor society for two-year colleges.
“The club will provide a continuation of the support these students have experienced while in the New Century Scholars program,” Sprinkle adds. “These are good, motivated kids – they just need our support.”
Dr. Stephen Laws, superintendent for Wilkes County Schools, hopes that investment will pay off for the entire community.
“We’re investing in our young people with the idea that they will stay in the community after graduation,” he says. “It’s a great way to motivate students to stay in school and picture a life beyond high school.”
Story by Amy Stumpfl
Photo by Ian Curcio
