WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced the 106 recipients of its prestigious 2015 Horatio Alger National Scholarship. These annual scholarships recognize outstanding students, who, in the face of great adversity, have exhibited an admirable commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities.

Since the establishment of its scholarship programs in 1984, Horatio Alger Association has awarded more than $100 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships to students from across the United States, including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada.  The Association administers one of the nation's largest privately-funded, need-based financial aid programs for college students.  In 2015 alone, the Association will award more than $2.3 million to its National Scholars, and more than $10 million through all of its scholarship programs.

"Our 2015 National Scholars are proof that, with great dedication and perseverance, one can overcome the most difficult adversity," said David Sokol, chairman, Horatio Alger Association. He stated, "With help from the Association, this group of talented young people will have the opportunity to pursue their own version of the American Dream.  Horatio Alger Association was established to advance the belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles, and we are proud to support these men and women as they embark on their path to success."

National Scholars come from households with an average income of $15,422 per year. These students earn a mean GPA of 3.7 and SAT score of 1263, which is more than 250 points above the national average. Each deserving National Scholarship recipient is awarded $22,000 to apply toward the tuition of the college or university of their choice.  Additionally, National Scholars will have access to a variety of resources including college preparedness seminars, crisis counselors, and mentoring programs.

"I am proud to be part of an organization dedicated to supporting young students who are the future leaders of this country," said Tony Novelly, president and CEO, Horatio Alger Association. "These young men and women continue to inspire myself and my fellow Members with their dedication, strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges.  Horatio Alger Association strongly believes that its scholarship programs truly are an investment in America's future."

Each new National Scholar will also receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. this spring to attend the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference and participate in college-preparedness and other educational sessions.  They will also attend parts of the Association's annual three-day Horatio Alger Awards Induction Ceremonies, during which the Association will induct 12 new Members – ranging from CEOs to philanthropists and innovative entrepreneurs – in addition to recognizing this new group of National Scholarship recipients.  This provides the Scholars the opportunity to learn more about the Association and the various support programs in which they may partake.  Furthermore, they will meet and learn from Horatio Alger Members who, like the Scholars, have overcome significant adversities.  The National Scholarship Program is wholly funded through private donations from Association Members and friends.

For a full list of Horatio Alger Association's Class of 2015 National Scholars, please visit the Horatio Alger Association website.

About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., fulfills its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. Horatio Alger Association supports students through annual undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships and mentoring programs across the United States and Canada. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $100 million in college scholarships to deserving young people.  For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

CONTACT: 
McKenna Young 
484-385-2913 (office) 
myoung@briancom.com

SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.horatioalger.org