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President’s Message:
Many
high-school students have the talent and motivation, and most
importantly, the goals to have a successful post-secondary
education. Unfortunately, these skills, competencies and efforts are
not enough for their dream to culminate into a college degree.
Students face barriers to higher education, with financing a
college education the most burdensome and the least accessible.
As a result, many college-bound, lower-income students are
not privy to the college experience since tuition costs are
escalating more than three times the inflation rate, coupled with
need-based financial aid on a steady decline.
The failure to invest in higher education of lower-income students
has a monumental effect on the prosperity, security and vitality of
the region.
About two
decades ago, college aid programs and governmental efforts began
initiating programs that would increase financial assistance to
students who had the talent without considering their financial
status. This protocol is
merit-based giving and this trend negatively impacted the poorest,
yet talented students, with the greatest financial burden.
But today, under the Obama Administration, need-based aid
will again be the focus for granting financial assistance to all
deserving students.
NEED’s focus has centered on college completion and affordability,
two of the key challenges that President Obama has presented toward
educational reform.
Lower-income students will have the ability to contribute to the
region’s growth and sustainability because higher education will be
easier to attain as a result of need-based financial assistance.
I am pleased
to share the following information:
*The
Unmet Scholarship Program, NEED’s hallmark program, has assisted
over 18,000 students with over $19 million in grants and
scholarships since 1963.
NEED will continue to provide last-dollar funding.
*
NEED has aggressively pursued a workforce development initiative,
working to match grant recipients with internships pre- and
post-graduation. The
organization has partnered with governmental, corporate and
educational entities for this effort.
*NEED's asset-building efforts through endowment fundraising
have become a focal point for the Board of Directors and staff.
A healthy endowment ensures that programs and services will have a
secured and sustainable longevity.
NEED will
celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2013, helping
high-school students with financial assistance and college
preparation and planning.
During those years, NEED has evolved into a comprehensive
college access program offering an array of services, including
career advisement and mentoring services.
To state NEED’s goals simply, the next generation of scholars
deserves no less. Please
continue to support and assist NEED in educating and employing
tomorrow’s leaders.
Sincerely,
Sylvester Pace
President and CEO
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