Seattle Central Community College receives funds to implement scholarship America’s Dreamkeepers program
Dreamkeepers gives ‘back to school’ new meaning for Seattle Central students facing unexpected financial setbacks
SEATTLE – As fall quarter begins at Seattle Central Community College, students who may need emergency assistance will get a helping hand, thanks to a grant from Scholarship America, a leading education service organization.
Unexpected financial setbacks are one of the top reasons students drop out of school. The DreamkeepersSM program, a program of Scholarship America, is designed to keep students in school in spite of these setbacks.
After a nationwide search, Seattle Central was one of thirteen colleges selected by Scholarship America to participate in the Dreamkeepers program beginning in Fall 2010. The college was selected to participate in the program because it enrolls large numbers of historically underserved, low-income and/or first-generation college students. The grant, which could reach up to $85,000, will provide funding to set up and begin implementing the program for students over the next three years. This funding is provided through a unique partnership between the Kresge Foundation, Lumina Foundation for Education and the Walmart Foundation.
“We are very grateful for this much-needed emergency financial assistance for our students,” said Paul Killpatrick, Seattle Central’s president. “The support offered through the Dreamkeepers program will have significant and direct impact in the lives of many students, especially when they are hit with an unexpected financial burden. This funding will allow us to provide these students with the kind of help they may need to stay the course and keep their academic dreams and career aspirations alive.”
“Dreamkeepers has proven to be a catalyst that keeps students enrolled in their college programs,” says Lauren Segal, President and CEO of Scholarship America. “In fact, 84 percent of students who received assistance in 2008 either re-enrolled in school the following semester or graduated. We’re thrilled to assist Seattle Central implement the Dreamkeepers program and keep more of their students in school.”
Scholarship America will provide onsite support and training to help each of the new colleges establish the program and raise funds to ensure its long-term success. Scholarship America will also provide an online application tool and online financial literacy tool for the students.
Since 2004, Scholarship America has distributed nearly $1.1 million in student grants through the Dreamkeepers program. To date, the average student grant of $523 has been used for purposes like housing, utilities, meals, childcare, transportation or car repairs. Now in 31 schools across the country, Scholarship America plans to continue raising funds so additional community colleges can offer the Dreamkeepers program as part of their overall efforts to improve graduation rates.