McGuire Foundation Announces Grants Funding College
Scholarship Programs for Deserving Students

Up to $10 million in grants awarded to regional programs promoting student success

MINNEAPOLIS (January 18, 2006) –The William W. and Nadine M. McGuire Family Foundation today announced grants to support innovative programs designed to prepare students for college success, and to help them gain access to the school of their choice.  Total amounts to be granted will depend on the specific needs of the students, but will likely reach $10 million over the next five years. 
           
Three specific programs will be recipients of the grants: 

• Admission Possible, an organization established in 2000 to make college admission possible for motivated and economically disadvantaged students, will receive grant monies to grow its program by 50% over the next three years.

• LearningWorks at Blake: A Breakthrough Program, which works with 6th and 7th grade Minneapolis students to improve their academic performance through a summer enrichment initiative, will receive grant monies to expand the existing program to more students and potentially new collaborative sites.

• University of Minnesota, will receive funds to create a pilot program to run for five years will be created at the University of Minnesota to ensure that students with the most significant need receive funding to cover 90% of the total cost of their attendance.  The University will also launch new programs to provide pre and post enrollment support to qualified incoming students from Admission Possible, LearningWorks at Blake and those receiving financial support under the new grants.  The University will also conduct on-going research to analyze the results of these programs and others that may emerge.

“There is disturbing data on the extent to which many Minnesota students face real academic and financial challenges in trying to achieve a college education,” said Dr. William W. McGuire.  “We’re impressed by the potential of these innovative programs and look forward to the impact that these grants will have on hundreds of young people across the state.  These grants and the programs they support, along with a planned spring educational conference, will further recognize innovative programs and solicit additional monies for deserving students.”

According to the College Board, three distinct barriers must be overcome so low-income students will complete a college degree: academic preparation; the admissions and financial aid process; and retention and program completion.  Programs like Admission Possible, LearningWorks at Blake and those at the University of Minnesota are addressing these issues by enhancing student access and preparing students for college while eliminating the economic and social barriers to achievement.

In addition, the McGuire Foundation issued a call for participation in a spring conference bringing together developers and funders of other innovative programs.  This conference will further close the gap regarding access to post-secondary educational opportunities for Minnesota students.  For more information on conference plans, please call (952) 851-7211. 

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