Seattle Central celebrates first year of groundbreaking scholarship program
“The Seattle Promise” eases burden of paying for college for students with financial need
Imagine what students could accomplish if they didn’t have to worry about paying college tuition – they could work fewer hours, focus on their studies and graduate with less student loan debt. That was the vision when, one year ago, the Seattle Central Foundation boldly committed to make college more affordable and accessible to students in need with its groundbreaking Seattle Promise scholarship, and it has more than delivered on that pledge.
“One year after we started this scholarship, it’s evident that we’re changing the lives of students,” said President Paul T. Killpatrick, Ph.D. “No longer do they have to worry about dropping out of college because of financial need. They are able to concentrate on what’s most important – learning the knowledge, skills and abilities they’ll need to build a better future.”
The scholarship pays full tuition for any student who demonstrates financial need, enrolls full-time and maintains a 3.0 grade point average. Since its inception,
- 155 students who met the Seattle Promise criteria received scholarships
- The value of the scholarships was over $250,000
- 63 percent of recipients are the first in their families to attend college
- More than two-thirds are female
- Recipients have a 3.5 GPA on average
Jennifer Oishi, a Seattle Promise recipient and a recent graduate from the Apparel Design and Development program, remarked, “For me, it meant that I was able to continue my last year at Seattle Central fully focused and without having to work full-time. It meant I might come out of college with no debt at all. It meant that I would be given the knowledge to pursue my dream career. It meant hope for a great future.”
Recent studies show that the cost of college is rising at a rate – nearly five times faster than inflation – that makes it increasingly difficult for most students to afford. Students have to work many more hours than they once did to cover the cost of their education and take out burdensome student loans that may take years to pay off. Receiving a Seattle Promise scholarship means students can continue their education with fewer financial restraints that may have previously limited them.
“I was planning on leaving school for the duration of winter quarter to work and save up enough money for my future tuition and fees,” said Promise recipient Benson Jhay Altamira. “Since I was selected for this scholarship award, I no longer need to put a halt on my education.”
Applications for Seattle Promise scholarships for Winter Quarter are now available to current students, and the Foundation hopes to expand the reach of this program in the future.
“Our goal is to serve more students by broadening the criteria so that any student with financial need can receive this scholarship. With the continued support of our community partners and sponsors, we hope to accomplish this in the near future,” said Lauren Guzauskas, interim executive director of the Foundation.
Next week, scholarship recipients, their families and donors will pack the Broadway Performance Hall on campus for the Foundation’s 36th annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony. Promise recipients will join students who received other scholarships to share their experiences and be honored for their success.
To donate to the Seattle Promise or for more information, click here: http://www.seattlecentral.edu/wp/foundation/promise/.
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About Seattle Central: Chosen by over 16,000 students each year, Seattle Central College offers a comprehensive range of educational programs and opportunities for academic transfer, workplace preparation, basic skills and continuing education in an urban environment. Visit us online at www.seattlecentral.edu.