Florida A&M University News October 22, 2010 Life Gets a Little Better for FAMU Scholars With smiles stretching from ear to ear and sounds of students saying ‘Yes,’ 22 Florida A&M University (FAMU) scholars were full of joy and excitement when FAMU President James H. Ammons presented them with a couple of items to assist them with their studies. Each scholar received an HP Elite Book 2450p and an Apple iPad as part of the FAMU Presidential Scholarship Program, which includes the Life Gets Better Scholarship and the Distinguished Scholar Award. The scholars were so overwhelmed that it left one scholar speechless. “I am truly speechless,” said Nellena Adekoya, a biology major from Grayson, Ga. “I have never had so much available at my fingertips.” This group of scholars is from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan and Virginia. One scholar, Joel Sankar, is a native of Tunapuna, Trinadad. “I’m very excited and humbled by the gifts that I have received,” said Sankar, a chemistry major. “They [computers] are very necessary for our education and for us to succeed.” Aubrey Upsher, a journalism major, expressed that he was very appreciative. “I received more than I expected,” said Upsher. “These are some excellent tools to have. This will definitely help me in my classes.” About the Life Gets Better Scholarship Incoming freshmen designated National Achievement, Hispanic, or Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Corporation, having an unweighted 3.50 high school GPA and having a 1,800 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT or incoming freshmen who have at least an unweighted 3.50 high school GPA and scores of 1900 on the SAT or 29 on the ACT will receive the following over four years: tuition and fees, room, board, books, $500 per semester stipend, internships and a laptop. The awardee must major in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics or physics in order to be eligible for this scholarship. Students must take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) in the junior year of high school to compete in the National Merit Corporation programs. About the Distinguished Scholar Award Incoming freshmen who have scores of at least 1,800 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT and an unweighted 3.50 high school GPA: Florida Residents receive a full four-year scholarship that pays for tuition and fees, double occupancy room rate and board. The $350 housing deposit will be waived for Florida Bright Futures Scholar awardees. Additionally, National Achievement Semifinalists will receive up to $500 a semester for books. Out-of–State students receive a four-year scholarship that pays for tuition and fees. A National Achievement Semifinalist will receive double occupancy room rate and board. Students who are Pell Grant eligible will receive a stipend not to exceed $500/semester. A National Achievement Finalist will also receive a laptop. A National Achievement Scholar will receive a laptop, $500 per semester for books and a $500 per semester stipend. 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 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.