Inner-city youth receive full-tuition scholarships

Inner-city youth receive full-tuition scholarships

Youth outreach programs such as the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA) seek to provide inner-city and at-risk children and teenagers with safe and productive activities after school hours. These initiatives often encourage young learners to improve their lives through education. The BGCA selects one student from each club or region as Youth of the Year.

In order to provide BGCA members with an opportunity to attend college, Marquette University has created a scholarship program. A total of four Youth of the Year students have recently been awarded full-tuition scholarships from the university. The financial aid package is given to students who demonstrate leadership in their families, schools or communities, and have overcome hardship in their young lives.

"We are looking forward to having them join our Marquette family and inspiring those who follow them in their clubs to pursue a college education," said Robert A. Wild, Marquette president. "These young adults are already demonstrating what it means to be the difference."

Each scholarship - valued at $120,000 per student - is renewable for four years. Marquette offers a number of other financial aid packages, including the Urban Scholarship program, which awards 10 full-tuition scholarships per year.

Many young learners may be eligible for tuition assistance, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, student loans and federal work-study programs.

By Mark Danson