Funding from SunLife Financial could help students pursue online degrees

Funding from SunLife Financial could help students pursue online degrees

High school students who wish to enroll in a campus-based or online degree program after graduation may be able to receive tuition assistance from SunLife Financial.

The financial services organization has opened the application process for its Rising Star Awards program, which will recognize organization that help at-risk youth and low income students.

More than $1 million will be disbursed to nonprofit organizations in Seattle, Detroit, San Diego, Boston, New York City and Miami.

Qualified associations will receive $50,000 grants to enhance a specific program, which should have clear goals and objectives prior to the application process. In addition, each winner will be invited to nominate one student to receive one of the company's $5,000 scholarships.

Each nominee is required to have plans to pursue postsecondary education at a brick-and-mortar or online college, exhibit strong leadership qualities and participate in community activities.

Wes Thompson, the company's president, said the program is intended to be "an investment in the lives of exceptional students and the organizations that support their educational and personal development" at campus-based or online schools.