Apply online through April 12 at www.newcastlede.gov/scholarship
Newark, DE – Today County Executive Matt Meyer joined school leaders, educational advocates and students at Newark High School to launch a scholarship program to support college affordability for New Castle County residents.
“I am pleased to establish the largest scholarship program in the history of New Castle County government to benefit high school seniors, current college students and adults who are pursuing higher education to build their careers and support their families,” County Executive Matt Meyer said. “Each year more than half of our high school graduates plan to continue onto college where tuition costs have more than doubled nationally over the past 20 years. That rising cost places incredible pressure on New Castle County residents and threatens to put college education out of reach. At a time when millions of jobs across our country are unfilled because of a skills gap we need to do more to support continuing education for all. Our scholarship program is an investment in a brighter future for our county and its people.”
Increasing college costs and other financial challenges experienced by families are significant and growing barriers to post-secondary education. The Matt Meyer Scholarship responds to that need by offering $50,000 in competitive need-based awards from $1,000 to $3,000 to New Castle County residents who are currently enrolled or will attend an accredited post-secondary undergraduate program in the summer or fall of 2019. The scholarship is available to any county resident, including residents of the City of Wilmington and other municipalities, and is available to non-traditional students such as adult learners who may be currently employed or underemployed and seek a college education as an opportunity to build a new career.
“At Christina School District we have been on a mission to reimagine our high schools with programs, experiences and opportunities to better prepare our students for the future, whether they continue onto college or go straight into the workforce,” said Assistant Christina School District Superintendent Noreen LaSorsa. “Our high school programming puts our students in a position to excel but many of our college-bound students, even those who receive financial aid, face the very real challenge of paying the financial costs. This scholarship will help to eliminate that financial barrier and increase access and equity to higher education for everyone.”
“We have walked this year’s Seniors through the college application process and now as they are waiting for their acceptance letters and financial aid packages to arrive we know that what weighs on their minds is how they will be able to afford that education,” said Rebecca Reggio, Assistant Principal at Newark High School. “For our current Seniors and others who are committing to making the time and financing the expense to pursue a college education, this scholarship will make that dream more affordable.”
The Matt Meyer Scholarship application and program information are available online at www.newcastlede.gov/scholarship. Applicants will provide biographical information, an unofficial transcript, complete a short essay, describe activities and financial need and identify references. A committee of local educators and community leaders will review submitted applications. Finalists who are selected will be invited to interview with the scholarship committee in early May. Finalists will also be asked to provide documentation demonstrating financial need.
“College graduates benefit our communities in various ways through higher rates of civic engagement, volunteerism and voter turnout, and together that leads to stronger and healthier communities,” said Natalie Washington, Scholarship Committee Chair and Director of Philanthropy and Engagement for United Way of Delaware. “Thank you to County Executive Meyer for making this scholarship program a county priority. This financial commitment to defray educational costs will create a positive return that will benefit our County in countless ways for many years to come.”
Individuals who have questions are encouraged to contact Jessica Gibson at (302) 395-5205 or [email protected].
Watch today’s announcement event at: www.facebook.com/nccde/videos/1012540168942766/
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Contact: Jason Miller, Director of Communications, 302-545-1462