Page 24 - January 2023 Report

January Report 2023
Grant Program Committee meeting minutes (draft) (6)
and came to JSF’s attention through one of its funders, Helios Education Foundation.
The program invests in high-achieving first-generation students with financial need. The first two classes were just 1 student apiece. Last year the program served 147 students. In April 2023, the organization will induct its 10th cohort. For students who qualify for the maximum award, academic scholarships cover most but not all of their expenses. Elevation Scholars effectively closes the gap of unmet need, typically ranging between $5,000 and $7,500. The organization also combats undermatching by encouraging students to look at prestigious institutions in other states, not just those closest to home and family.
Samela spoke about her experience. She was at the top of her class at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando and on the track team. She is of Haitian heritage and cares about social justice. She was accepted to Wesleyan University in Connecticut, an environment where she knew she would be challenged. She learned how to interact with different kinds of people while at Wesleyan. Samela has graduated and plans to attend law school. She sees herself as typical of the program’s scholars who want to return home and make a difference.
Aminah talked about the program’s outcomes. Its 6-year graduation rate stands at 100% compared to the national average of 50.7%. It has a 99% immediate college enrollment rate compared to 67% nationally. The program also has 3 scholars in the highly selective QuestBridge program, which matches high-achieving economically disadvantaged students to elite universities. Elevation Scholars has walked 115 students through college admission and provides 77 current college students multiple wraparound supports. There are 18 students awaiting college acceptance letters.
Scott was asked about what the program will look like in 10 years. With a view to sustainability, it recently hired a grant writer. The program currently has 3 grants. Elevation Financial Group launched Elevation Scholars in 2014. Today, Elevation Scholars operates as an independent 501(c)(3) organization. During the last budget cycle, the corporate donation represented 20% of Elevation Scholars’ budget.
A point was raised that these are students who would have succeeded anyway. Scott agreed, but the program gives them more options. He gave an example of how the program changed the vision of an entire high school by sending one student to Duke University. Aminah was asked whether any students with disabilities are in the program. There are a few, and the program works with those students’ chosen schools to ensure they have the proper accommodations. To encourage idea sharing among grantees, the speakers were invited to stay for the next presentation.
c. Take Stock/Johnson Scholars Program
Malcolm welcomed the following individuals: Danielle Oldham, Director of Program Services for Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County; Bo George, Instructional Specialist with the School District of Palm Beach County; Phara Lissade-Latour, Resource Teacher with the School District; and Rasha Rahaman, a graduate of the program. The Fall 2022 report on the program had been circulated.
Like Elevation Scholars, Take Stock/Johnson Scholars works with first-generation and low- income students. The program serves 1,245 students in grades 6-12. The majority are students of color and 65% are female. Students in the program have a 98% high school graduation rate, and 96% enroll in college. Also, 74% complete college compared to 27% in their at-risk peer group. The program began with 5 high schools and is currently in 11, with another school expected to be added in 2024. Currently juniors and seniors make up the majority of participants at 26% and 30% respectively.
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