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CSCC Offers Dreamkeepers ProgramPublished: 1/14/2011 Clark State receives funds to implement Scholarship America’s Dreamkeepers Program. Dreamkeepers addresses college drop-out rates by providing assistance to students facing unexpected financial emergencies. Clark State Community College announced today that after a nationwide search, Scholarship America – the nation’s premier education service organization – has selected Clark State to participate in the Dreamkeepers program beginning immediately. The $75,000 grant will provide funding to set up and begin implementing the program for students over the next three years. This funding is provided through a unique partnership between the Kresge Foundation, Lumina Foundation for Education and the Walmart Foundation. "Clark State was selected to participate in the program because of our history with the Kresge Foundation and our strong history of service to first generation college students," according to Kristin Culp, Clark State vice president of advancement. "We are thrilled to be one of 13 colleges in the nation who were selected for this program." Unexpected financial setbacks are one of the top reasons students drop out of school. The Dreamkeepers program is designed to keep students in school in spite of these setbacks. "Traditional financial aid resources don’t cover unexpected life emergencies such as car repairs," said Dr. Karen E. Rafinski, president, Clark State Community College. "With an average student age of 28, many of our students struggle more with life situations than their school work. This scholarship will mean the difference between graduating and giving up that dream for some of its recipients." Clark State students who are interested in the program can find more information online. "Dreamkeepers has proven to be a catalyst that keeps students enrolled in their college programs," says Donald Lassere, senior vice president – Scholarship America. "In fact, 84 percent of students who received assistance in 2008 either reenrolled in school the following semester or graduated – compared with the national average of 55 percent. We’re thrilled to assist Clark State implement the Dreamkeepers program and keep more of their students in school." Scholarship America will provide onsite support and training to help each of the new colleges establish the program and raise funds to ensure its long-term success. Scholarship America will also provide an online application tool and online financial literacy tool for the students. Since 2004, Scholarship America has distributed nearly $1.1 million in student grants through the Dreamkeepers program. To date, the average student grant of $523 has been used for purposes like housing, utilities, meals, childcare, transportation or car repairs. Now in 31 schools across the country, Scholarship America plans to continue raising funds so additional community colleges can offer the Dreamkeepers program as part of their overall efforts to improve graduation rates.
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