50 Outstanding Students from Nebraska and Western Iowa Awarded 2015 Horatio Alger State Scholarships
For Immediate Release
March 11, 2015
CONTACT:
McKenna Young
484-385-2913 (office)
[email protected]
Kara Weiler
402-554-9600
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50 Outstanding Students from Nebraska and Western Iowa Awarded 2015 Horatio Alger State Scholarship
Horatio Alger Association, in partnership with the AKSARBEN Foundation, recognizes young men and women in Nebraska and western Iowa who have demonstrated exceptional perseverance and a commitment to education
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 11, 2015) – Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced 50 students from Nebraska and western Iowa who are recipients of its prestigious 2015 Horatio Alger State Scholarship, funded through the generosity of the AKSARBEN Foundation. These young men and women are recognized for their admirable commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities, despite facing significant personal adversities.
Collectively, the 2015 Horatio Alger State Scholarship recipients have maintained an average GPA of 3.7 and an average SAT score of 1,195 (out of 1,600), while coming from households with an average annual income of $19,766. Through the scholarship program, each recipient is awarded $6,000, paid over four years, to apply toward the tuition of the college or university of his or her choice. Additionally, State Scholars will have access to a variety of resources including college preparatory support, guidance and crisis counselors and mentoring programs.
“This accomplished group of 2015 Scholars has demonstrated passion and drive in all that they do,” said Tony Novelly, president and CEO of Horatio Alger Association. “These young men and women have faced significant obstacles on their road to higher education, and they could not be more deserving of this assistance. I look forward to witnessing the successes they will achieve in their college years and beyond.”
AKSARBEN Foundation President Jon Burt stated, “The AKSARBEN Foundation and AKSARBEN Scholars are proud to sponsor the Horatio Alger State Scholarship awards for Nebraska and western Iowa. By opening the doors of opportunity to students of hope and need, we are building the leaders of tomorrow and ensuring prosperity in the Heartland for generations to come.”
Horatio Alger Association was founded in 1947, and since 1984, it has administered one of the nation’s largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship programs. The Association has awarded more than $100 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships to students from across the United States, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada. In 2000, 16 years after the establishment of its National Scholarship Program, Horatio Alger Members also began funding scholarships concentrated in each state, as well as specialized scholarships, to further its mission of helping deserving young people pursue their collegiate goals.
“With each passing year, our partnership with the AKSARBEN Foundation continues to grow and prosper,” said David Sokol, chairman of Horatio Alger Association. “I could not be more proud that we are able to work together to support these remarkable students from Nebraska and western Iowa. This year’s scholarship recipients have demonstrated unmatched resilience in overcoming life’s challenges, and the Association is honored to recognize them for both their integrity and their determination to succeed.”
For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its 2015 Scholars, please visit www.horatioalger.org.
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About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:
Founded in 1947, Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. fulfills its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. Horatio Alger Association supports students through annual undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships and mentoring programs across the United States and Canada. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $100 million in college scholarships to deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.
About the AKSARBEN Foundation:
Founded in 1895, the AKSARBEN Foundation is the premier philanthropic organization for the region’s top corporate and community leaders. With core values of leadership, education, agriculture and community, AKSARBEN provides over $500,000 in scholarships annually, carrying out their mission of leveraging collective business leadership to build a more prosperous Heartland. For more information, please visit www.aksarben.org.