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Clark State Scholars Program Welcomes 59 Inductees from Area Schools

Clark State Scholars Program Welcomes 59 Inductees from Area Schools

April 10, 2022

Clark State College will welcome 59 local junior high/middle school students into the Clark State Scholars program with a ceremony to be held at 6:30 p.m., April 12 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 South Fountain Avenue, Springfield.

The Scholars program is a participatory program for students entering eighth grade that, if successfully completed, results in three years of tuition-free education at Clark State through the efforts of the Clark State Foundation.

“This program opens the door of opportunity for the students in the Scholars program,” Karen Hunt, director of Clark State Scholars Program. “Visits to the Leffel Lane campus allows them to explore career possibilities, meet students in their cohorts and experience a little bit of college life. They also get to meet college students including those in the Scholars program, staff and faculty members.”

The Scholars program began 18 years ago inducting middle school students into the Springfield City District.  The Scholars program expanded in the last four years to include students from Champaign County (Graham and Urbana School Districts) and Clark County (Clark-Shawnee and Tecumseh School Districts). 

“Graham Local Schools is grateful to have an established partnership with Clark State College that allows our students a tremendous opportunity to obtain a full scholarship to Clark State that also includes a mentorship throughout their high school career,” said Brad Silvus, superintendent of Graham Local Schools.

Middle school counselors play a significant role in identifying students eligible to participate in the Clark State Scholars program. Accepted students must maintain a 2.0 or greater grade point average, 93 percent, or better school attendance, exhibit good citizenship and participate in program activities. 

A critical component of the Clark State Scholars program is the development of a support system to encourage the young scholars to work toward a college education and to help expose them to enrichment experiences they might not otherwise have. Thus, students in the Scholars program are mentored through their high school years.

“Mentors offer guidance and support to the youth we serve and are a positive influence in our communities,” said Toni Overholser, executive director of the Clark State Foundation which houses the Clark State Scholars program. “By sharing their time and talents, mentors help prepare first-generation college students for success.” 

Media Contact

Lori Common Communications Coordinator

937.328.6086 commonl@clarkstate.edu