Historically Black Fort Valley State University in Georgia has partnered with the National College Resources Foundation to attract top students from around the country to FVSU. The five-year initiative, valued at over $2 million, will support FVSU’s Searchlight Scholars program, which will provide selected students who do not reside in Georgia with scholarship funding of up to $52,400 in increments of $13,100 per year, renewable for four years. In addition, scholars will also be provided with mentorship during a research experience.
“Fort Valley State University has the unique ability to both challenge and nurture talented students by pushing them past their preconceived boundaries,” said President Jones. “The Searchlight Scholars Program will help students from across the country understand that there are no borders to their potential, literally and figuratively.”
The National College Resources Foundation helps students of color and those from low-income communities overcome barriers to entering college. Through this new partnership, the NCRF will connect students from its Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts + Agriculture + Aviation + Aerospace, and Mathematics (STEAM) program with opportunities to enter related majors in the hard sciences at Fort Valley State University.
“National College Resources Foundation is on a mission to close the gap in achievement, workforce, and economic disparities,” said Dr. Theresa Price, the chief executive officer of the foundation. “This partnership with Fort Valley State University is so exciting because it gives students more resources to become leaders. The Searchlight Scholars Program will help us continue to be a light in the road for students of color who have the grades and talent to attend college, but are short on resources. The NCRF/FVSU partnership will also enhance retention and matriculation for students of color, while creating a great diverse pool of STEAM talent.”