$2.86 Million in Scholarships awarded to 143 AVID Students by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
May 19, 2008
Scholarships recognize students’ drive and determination
SAN DIEGO – A total of 143 AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students nationwide will have the opportunity to fulfill their dream of a college education, thanks in part to the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s Dell Scholars Program. More than $5 million in scholarships will be awarded to this year’s Dell Scholars to attend a college of their choice.
Unlike many scholarship opportunities that focus solely on academic records, the Dell Scholars Program is need-based and evaluates college-ready high school students on their demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles and determination to succeed. Each Dell Scholar will receive $20,000 each to continue their higher education for the next six years. In addition, the Dell Scholars program provides its students with technology, resources and mentoring to ensure they have the support they need to obtain a college degree.
“These students are a testament to hard work and determination,” said Jim Nelson, executive director of AVID. “With the generous support of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, college will now become a reality for these students and families.”
With this year’s announcement, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has recognized more than 671 AVID students through the Dell Scholars Program. The program began in 2004 as an extension of the Foundation’s support of college-readiness programs such as AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). AVID is a college-readiness system that prepares students in the academic middle for higher education, based on their ability to succeed in college given the necessary academic, personal and financial support.
"The Dell Scholars are truly amazing students who have already accomplished so much," said Kevin Byrne, Director, Dell Scholars at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. "Many of them will be the first in their families to go to college. The Dell Scholars program is designed to not only help them get there, but also to ensure they finish school and start the careers of their dreams, eventually inspiring others in their communities to follow a similar path."
The Dell Scholars Program targets underserved youth and lower income students from high schools nationwide, many of whom participate in the AVID program to promote higher education. Requirements include graduation from an accredited high school, demonstrated financial need, a minimum GPA of 2.4 on a 4.0 scale, and intent to enter a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution in the fall.
About AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID, is a fourth grade through high school system to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility, and is currently implemented in 45 states, Washington, DC and 15 countries. Since 1990, AVID has sent more than 55,500 students to college. For more information, visit www.avidonline.org.
May 19, 2008
Scholarships recognize students’ drive and determination
SAN DIEGO – A total of 143 AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students nationwide will have the opportunity to fulfill their dream of a college education, thanks in part to the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s Dell Scholars Program. More than $5 million in scholarships will be awarded to this year’s Dell Scholars to attend a college of their choice.
Unlike many scholarship opportunities that focus solely on academic records, the Dell Scholars Program is need-based and evaluates college-ready high school students on their demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles and determination to succeed. Each Dell Scholar will receive $20,000 each to continue their higher education for the next six years. In addition, the Dell Scholars program provides its students with technology, resources and mentoring to ensure they have the support they need to obtain a college degree.
“These students are a testament to hard work and determination,” said Jim Nelson, executive director of AVID. “With the generous support of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, college will now become a reality for these students and families.”
With this year’s announcement, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has recognized more than 671 AVID students through the Dell Scholars Program. The program began in 2004 as an extension of the Foundation’s support of college-readiness programs such as AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). AVID is a college-readiness system that prepares students in the academic middle for higher education, based on their ability to succeed in college given the necessary academic, personal and financial support.
"The Dell Scholars are truly amazing students who have already accomplished so much," said Kevin Byrne, Director, Dell Scholars at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. "Many of them will be the first in their families to go to college. The Dell Scholars program is designed to not only help them get there, but also to ensure they finish school and start the careers of their dreams, eventually inspiring others in their communities to follow a similar path."
The Dell Scholars Program targets underserved youth and lower income students from high schools nationwide, many of whom participate in the AVID program to promote higher education. Requirements include graduation from an accredited high school, demonstrated financial need, a minimum GPA of 2.4 on a 4.0 scale, and intent to enter a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution in the fall.
About AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID, is a fourth grade through high school system to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility, and is currently implemented in 45 states, Washington, DC and 15 countries. Since 1990, AVID has sent more than 55,500 students to college. For more information, visit www.avidonline.org.