News Article

United Way Awards $20K Grant for HOPE Project

Jul 5, 2011

Dr. Seuss perhaps summed it up best with his book, “The Places You Will Go” when talking about possibilities and overcoming obstacles. For the students participating in the Edison State College Project HOPE (Help One Person Excel) Scholarship Program, the potential continues to be endless, in part thanks to a $20,000 grant from the United Way.

“Part of the process of earning this grant includes the United Way Allocation Team’s analysis of our progress and how effectively we use the funds,” said Fred Morgan, Director, Project HOPE, Edison State College. “They look at several things when considering grants, from how efficiently the funds are used to the services offered and ultimately, the outcome of our efforts.”

It’s the fourth consecutive year that Project HOPE Scholarship Program has been awarded a grant from the United Way. The Project HOPE Scholarship Program offers first-generation, at-risk students starting in ninth grade, financial assistance with college tuition and books, mentoring, tutoring, leadership training, educational field trips, Career Development Days, and special guest programs featuring business and academic leaders and in order to ensure academic success. These students graduate from Edison State College and can continue their academic careers at Edison State College or another college or university of their choice.

The $20,000 grant, said Morgan, helps pay for a part-time instructional assistant, in addition to school supplies, enrichment workshops and more.

Community involvement is also stressed. Incoming HOPE Scholars at Edison State are asked to work together to determine a community need and a possible solution to the problem. As a group they will decide which projects to pursue.

ABOUT PROJECT HOPE (Help One Person Excel)  

Since 1993, Edison State College’s Project HOPE (Help One Person Excel) has contributed to student success in Southwest Florida by providing graduation incentives to students who are at risk for not continuing their education due to financial or family reasons. Project Hope is a dual level program, targeting middle school students with the Hope Readiness program and college age students with the Hope Scholars program. The Project HOPE Readiness Program targets 8th grade students who are recommended by school principals and counselors. Participants attend a series of college preparatory workshops and support activities, and those successfully completing the program may apply for a Project HOPE scholarship in their senior year. The Project HOPE Scholarship Program awards full tuition and book scholarships to first generation in college students and provides a campus support system to bolster their success. HOPE Scholars must be U.S. Citizens, enroll in 12 credit hours, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, complete the College Success Skills class, and participate in social, educational and community services activities.

Last Updated: July 5, 2011