Lyndon State College Accepts Challenge Grant to Raise Matching Funds
Lyndon State College Accepts Challenge Grant to Raise Matching Funds
$25,000 FOR PROMISE SCHOLARSHIPS
April 2, 2013
The Lyndon State College Foundation recently approved a “challenge” $25,000 gift to the Lyndon State College Promise Scholarship Program. The Foundation’s challenge calls for the College to obtain ten $2,500 gifts and thereby match the Foundation’s donation.
The donor-funded Lyndon Promise Scholarship helps to provide support to students who would otherwise not be able to afford a four-year college degree. The scholarship awards students with an annual $2,500 – $5,000 scholarship for four years. The program involves a three-way promise between the student, the College, and the donor. The student promises to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA over their college career and to serve as a mentor to low-income students in the NEK’s Kindergarten through Grade 12 system. Over the past three years, 25 students have directly benefitted from the program. Dean of Institutional Advancement Bob Whittaker reported that the retention rate for the Promise Scholarship students is “an astounding 92 percent.”
LSC Foundation President Lorraine Impey said, “We are impressed with how the College has grown a successful and effective program as a result of the initial challenge grant that helped establish the Early Promise Scholarship program. This is a defining moment in broadening the support for this important initiative.”
LSC President Joe Bertolino added, “I appreciate the leadership provided by the LSC Foundation in helping us sustain and grow the Early Promise Scholarship program. So much so that my partner Bil and I have agreed to commit $5,000 to the program once this challenge is met.” Bertolino will be hosting a special event at his home for contributors who support the Early Promise Scholarship program with a gift of $2,500 or more, giving donors the opportunity to meet and get to know the Promise Scholars they’ve helped. Bertolino is “looking forward to this gathering becoming an annual event.”
The Lyndon State College Foundation was founded in 1980 to generate resources that contribute to the artistic, social, cultural and educational development of LSC. It is a community-based, private, nonprofit organization that is maintained by residents of the Northeast Kingdom. The members of the Foundation are committed to the college, proud of the excellent educational opportunities and community services offered, and dedicated to participating in LSC’s future development.