ECMC Congratulates 2017 ECMC Scholars Graduates in Virginia, Awards $540,000 in College Scholarships

RICHMOND, Va., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) is proud to recognize the 88 high school seniors from Virginia who this spring have completed the ECMC Scholars Program, qualifying each of them for up to $6,000 in scholarships for postsecondary education. These students attended nine high schools throughout Virginia and will be attending colleges across the state in the fall, including Radford University, Richard Bland College of William & Mary, Old Dominion University, Longwood University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and many others.

"College is a major financial investment for most families, which is why ECMC created the Scholars Program—to help ensure students who make the investment in their higher education are successful in that effort," said Paula Craw, ECMC vice president of student success and outreach. "In recognition of their hard work and completion of the program, the aid they receive will help defray the cost of attendance for students at any college, university or technical school they choose."

For the past two years, these students have participated in the ECMC Scholars Program, a rigorous two-year mentoring program that allows select students to access up to $4,000 in scholarships their first year of college and, pending completion of all requirements, qualify for an additional $2,000 for their second year. Unlike a traditional academic scholarship, these students weren't selected solely for their academic merit or test scores—instead, they were chosen for their potential. Working with an ECMC Scholars advisor, they've spent their junior and senior years building social and study skills and actively preparing for success in college.

"With much persistence and assurance, it is my hope that the students find the fortitude to stay the course as they enter college. While obstacles will distract, deter and cause them to question their plan, hopefully, and with continued counsel from ECMC, they will become the person they want to be," said Olaniyi Lucas, ECMC Scholars advisor in Virginia. "I have seen great strides from all of the Scholars with whom I have worked. They have demonstrated a commitment to preparing themselves for the next step in their educational careers, and I'm excited to see where that journey takes them."

Since 2005, ECMC has provided $7.6 million to nearly 1,500 ECMC Scholars students in Virginia alone—on average, 100 students per year from ten high schools across the state. Over the past 13 years, ECMC has provided more than $15 million in financial aid to 5,080 students in Virginia, Oregon and Connecticut. ECMC has committed to supporting an additional 470 students with nearly $3 million in scholarships through 2019.

About ECMC
Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) is a nonprofit corporation with a mission to help students succeed. ECMC works to lower student loan default rates; sponsors college access and success initiatives, and financial literacy programs; and provides resources to support student loan borrowers to successfully repay their loans. Visit www.ecmc.org for more information.

SOURCE ECMC

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