Last modified: Monday, November 17, 2008
IU East gives out over $5 million in scholarships to high school guidance counselors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 13, 2008
RICHMOND, Ind. -- Indiana University East distributed $5.04 million in scholarships today to area high school guidance counselors from Indiana and Ohio during its annual Counselors' Breakfast held Thursday, Nov. 13.
"We are once again collaborating with high school counselors to increase the level of attainment in the communities we serve together," said Interim Chancellor Nasser Paydar. "By providing counselors with this tool, we are investing in the future of individual students and our region."
Seventy-two guidance counselors, representing more than 50 high schools, attended the special event at IU East, and each counselor present received $72,000 worth of scholarships to give to students in their high schools that meet the academic and admission requirements at IU East.
"We have a great partnership with these counselors," said Molly Vanderpool, director of Admissions. "These scholarships enable them to reward their high school students for outstanding academic achievements with a significant scholarship," she said.
Vanderpool explained that counselors might use the scholarships to help outstanding students who may not have the financial resources to pursue a bachelor's degree full-time or who are committed to building their success in this part of the state.
"This is the second year of this initiative, and it has helped increase both the quantity and quality of students at IU East," said Vanderpool.
This fall semester, IU East increased enrollment by 8.6 percent in credit hours and reached a record-high in credit hours taught. The average SAT score for this year's freshman class also increased by 21 points compared to last year's freshman class.
During the program, counselors also learned about IU East's new mission as a baccalaureate and master's degree institution and its plans for continued growth.
