SEATTLE – The Road Map Project, which is aimed at driving major improvements in education results in South Seattle and South King County, is releasing the final round of individual school district data collected by the Higher Education Coordinating Board on the number of eligible 8th graders in the project region signed up for the College Bound Scholarship by this past June 30th. A record 91% of students signed up, compared with 74% this time last year.
For the first time ever the region’s school districts worked collaboratively to increase the number of eligible students signed up for the scholarship which covers the cost of tuition at Washington’s public colleges and universities. Low-income students who sign a pledge to graduate from high school, demonstrate good citizenship and seek admission to a college or university by June 30 of their 8th grade year are eligible.
The Road Map region includes the following school districts: Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Kent, Renton, South Seattle and Tukwila. Every school district in the region increased their numbers since last year, and Tukwila signed up a full 100% of all eligible students. Six out of the seven school districts surpassed the 90% threshold for the first time.
“A record 91% of eligible 8th graders in the region signed up,” reported Mary Jean Ryan, Executive Director of the Community Center for Education Results, which coordinates the Road Map Project. “The level of commitment and cooperation from school districts, teachers, community partners and elected officials was incredible. We are thrilled that over 3900 students signed-up to take advantage of this amazing opportunity, and we are committed to further increase the number next year.”
Many partners jumped in to help with the effort, but leading the charge was the College Success Foundation. “The College Bound Scholarships are a sound investment in our state’s future as well as the future of our state’s most vulnerable students,” said Deborah Wilds, president of the College Success Foundation. “All young people who want to go to college should have the means and support to attend and succeed, and we are happy that opportunity has been greatly increased in the Road Map region.”
College Bound Enrollment 7-12-2011 from CCER
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