Jarvis Christian College May 17, 2011 Jarvis Christian College Announces its Largest-Ever Scholarship Program, Exclusive to Education is Freedom Students Calling it a life-changing investment in the lives of Dallas teens, Education is Freedom today announced a major scholarship program from Jarvis Christian College, a historically black college located in Hawkins, Texas. The partnership with EIF is the most significant scholarship investment ever made by Jarvis Christian College into a single program. “We are delighted and so honored to have Jarvis Christian College on our team,” said Marcia Page, president and CEO of Education is Freedom. “Their investment and belief is going to make a life-changing difference in these Education is Freedom students.” Over the next three years, Jarvis Christian College has committed up to $540,000 worth of scholarships to approximately 45 students. Starting Fall 2011, up to 15 EIF students will receive $3,000 scholarships per year ($1,500 fall and $1,500 spring). Students must have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply. The program is open to all majors. Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fall and spring). “This is the largest scholarship commitment ever made by Jarvis Christian College, but the Education is Freedom program made it an easy decision,” said Dr. Cornell Thomas, president of Jarvis Christian College. “EIF has developed outstanding young people of high character who are academically and socially prepared to handle the challenges of college.” Dr. Thomas said all EIF students receiving scholarships will participate in tutoring and mentoring programs to aid retention and ensure success at Jarvis. He added that he is very excited about Jarvis’ campaign to enhance the diversity of its student body. The scholarship deadline for this year is June 15, 2011. Students must be high school seniors currently enrolled in Education is Freedom programs. They must be U.S. citizens/residents, and have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2011-2012. Students must submit one letter of recommendation and complete a 500-word (maximum) essay describing how their personal background has influenced their academic and long-term goals. Also required are completed admission documents (admission application, application fee of $50, ACT or SAT scores, and official transcript). Jarvis Christian College is an independent four-year, historically black college affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It was founded in 1912. Jarvis is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In addition to attracting talented students through scholarships and academic programs, the campus beautification projects underway will certainly attract students as well. Transformation efforts include state of the art labs, high-tech classrooms, and a bigger and better Student Activity Center, featuring game room and movie/theatre room. A new weight room and tennis courts, remodeled indoor pool, and refurbished gym will help students stay in top physical health while challenging them academically. “A partnership with Jarvis and EIF would mean great things for students searching for that ‘at-home feel.’ It allows future students to know that EIF won’t just lead you to big-time universities but they will also lead you to small and private colleges, which for me and many of my peers, is a very important factor,” said Kellae Marshall, a senior at Dallas ISD’s South Oak Cliff High School. Education is Freedom is a dedicated team providing comprehensive college-access services that produce life-changing results. The overall goals of EIF’s school-based program are to create a college-going culture across each Dallas ISD school community, promote high school completion among urban students, equip middle school and high school students to overcome barriers to successful college entry and completion, and assist students in navigating and completing the college entrance and funding processes. Additionally, because parental support is key, EIF works to empower parents and guardians to become active participants in their students’ success. EIF currently works with 19 of 22 comprehensive Dallas ISD high schools, 3 alternative high schools, and 6 middle schools, beginning as early as sixth grade. EIF offers components such as full-time, on-campus advisors, professional development, parent outreach, mentoring and assistance applying to and securing resources for college. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.