Sinclair Community College providing 60 new scholarships to Dayton Public Schools students
The new scholarships are part of Dayton Public Schools’ "Be Present for a Better Future" initiative, which focuses on attendance and Sinclair's "College-to-Career" pathway initiative.
A total of 60 students, representing all seven of Dayton Public Schools’ (DPS) high schools, were recently awarded $1,000 scholarships from Sinclair Community College. To qualify for the scholarships, students needed a minimum of 90% attendance and a 2.00 GPA. The scholarships will be split between the Fall 2021 and the Spring 2022 terms. Administrators from both institutions emphasized that the scholarships will help students on their path to career readiness.
A news release from Sinclair explains that the scholarship money can be used for both associate degree programs as well as advanced job skills training programs. Dr. Elizabeth J. Lolli, Superintendent of DPS, noted the hard work of DPS seniors throughout the past year while dealing with the pandemic. "Our students have worked incredibly hard during this very challenging year. Many students are also facing uncertainty or considering a delay in college due to various obstacles. However, these scholarships are paving a path for our students to gain the vital skills and education they need for rewarding careers. The scholarships also reinforce the importance of daily attendance. We look forward to building upon our strong partnership with Sinclair College to provide these opportunities for our students," Lolli said.
Dr. Steve Johnson, President of Sinclair Community College, emphasized that the scholarships signify Sinclair's goal of making a college education accessible and practical for students. "This is another example of Sinclair's commitment to helping more students in the Dayton region earn more credentials faster and for less money. These students are embarking on an exciting higher education journey that will prepare them for in-demand career pathways. In addition, Sinclair's talented Admissions Team will provide one-on-one assistance for each student to ensure their college and career goals are aligned with their academic plans," Johnson stated.
According to an article posted by The Dayton Daily News, many Sinclair students take fewer classes per semester than the 15 credit hours needed to be considered full time, due to a number of factors. Because students often have to balance work and family needs with their educational goals, Sinclair Community College's Chief of Public Information Cathy Petersen said that the new scholarships do not require full-time enrollment.