Staunton, VA
The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is pleased to announce the kick-off celebration in Nelson County for Great Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc. (GRASP).
What Where When
Celebrating the Launch of GRASP in Nelson High School Wintergreen Real Estate, 3079 Rockfish Valley Highway, Nellysford
Thursday, October 7, 2010, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
GRASP is a non-profit organization that helps students leverage financial aid opportunities for college and/or trade school. Through resources made available by the Community Foundation and local donors, GRASP is placing an advisor in Nelson High School for one day a week for the 2010-2011 school year.
“The opportunity for students in Nelson County to have an extra resource to help them seek funding for college or trade school is huge. With the current economic climate and the rising costs of higher education, it is clear that local students can benefit from leveraged financial aid assistance so that they may pursue educational opportunities beyond high school,” says Becky Kohler, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge. “We were especially thrilled to have been able to raise the funds needed to provide every single one of our area public high schools in 3 counties with a GRASP advisor to team with school staff.”
GRASP strives to provide every high school student with an equal opportunity for continuing education, regardless of financial or social circumstances. Founded in 1983 by Virginia State Senator Walker Stosch and Dr. Raymond Garguilo, it helps students develop educational plans for after high school by placing a financial aid advisor in local schools to work alongside school staff to leverage financial aid opportunities for colleges and trade schools. Last year, each dollar invested in GRASP’s in-school advisor program leveraged $114 in financial aid for GRASP students, amounting to $31.3 million in financial aid and scholarships.
