The Kent State Stark Rising Scholars Program continues to thrive through the final stretch of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But now, the need has never been greater to help Stark County youth move out of poverty toward a life of prosperity, explained Beth Fuciu, associate director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.
The Rising Scholars Program is designed to give first-generation and underrepresented students a pathway to achieve a college degree at no cost to participants. But more funding is needed to continue changing students鈥� lives.
鈥淭his program can only continue with donations from local individuals, foundations and businesses,鈥� Fuciu said. 鈥淚f you have been thinking about making a donation, the time is now to make a real impact that can change the trajectory of lives right here in Stark County.鈥�
Lester Sanders, academic program coordinator for Rising Scholars, said that, during the pandemic, students have continued to meet monthly via Google Meet, as a group and on an individual basis.
Seventy-four Stark County students are participating in the program, boasting a large freshman class of 30. The 2021-22 academic year promises to welcome another record-setting class, with 36 applicants from five local school districts.
On campus or virtually, Rising Scholars are looking forward to the Summer Institute in June 鈥� with your help.
RISING SCHOLARS AT KENT STATE STARK
Total number of participants: 74
- 22 Seniors
- 14 Juniors
- 8 Sophomores
- 30 Freshmen
- 36 applicants for the 2021-22 academic year
Summer Institute: June 2021
- Preparing for virtual and in-person options
- Week of June 14: Freshmen
- Week of June 21: Sophomores and Juniors
- Week of June 28: Seniors
