ECMC Foundation's scholarship program helps make college a reality for 254 high school graduates

OAKDALE, Minn., June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2006, the Centennial Learning Center (CLC) in Portland, Ore. has been part of the ECMC Scholars Program, a mentoring and scholarship program through ECMC Foundation. In 2005, fewer than 15 percent of CLC students enrolled in postsecondary education. Today, with the vision and efforts of CLC staff along with the guidance and support of ECMC Foundation, that number has soared to more than 75 percent of CLC students enrolling in postsecondary education.

"As a principal, my dream was to build a college-going culture at an alternative school. To give non-traditional students a path to a future filled with choice and build on a solid educational foundation," said Dr. Jamie Juenemann, former CLC principal. "ECMC Foundation gave us the direction and support to make the dream a reality."

CLC is one example of the impact the ECMC Scholars Program is having in educating young people in America. This year, ECMC Foundation awarded $1.52 million in college grants to 254 graduating high school seniors in Virginia, Oregon and Connecticut.  

The grants are part of the ECMC Scholars Program, which was created to encourage generally underserved students with potential to pursue postsecondary education. Public high schools are chosen to participate in the program according to need-based criteria. Then, counselors and teachers from each school identify students with the potential to succeed in college, but may need extra motivation to work up to their potential. Selected candidates go through an intensive two-year mentoring program in their junior and senior years of high school. The majority of ECMC Scholars are the first in their families to attend college. 

The ECMC Scholars Program was established in 2003 in Virginia and has since expanded to Oregon and Connecticut. To date, ECMC Foundation has pledged $13.8 million in grants to help more than 2,300 ECMC Scholars realize their dream of going to college.

For participating schools and the names of the 2014 ECMC Scholars, visit www.ecmcfoundation.org.

About ECMC Foundation
ECMC Foundation helps people of all ages further their education goals with a concentration on underserved individuals as well as those who may be the first member of their family to attend college. Its innovative outreach programs focus on college access, retention and success. ECMC Foundation is funded by ECMC Group.

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SOURCE ECMC Foundation