106 Exceptional High School Students Each Awarded $22,000 through 2016 Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2016 /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 2016 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 $110 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships to students 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, and in 2016, more than $11 million will be awarded – with $2.3 million granted to the National Scholars and the remaining funds granted to the State and Specialized Scholars.

"The 2016 Horatio Alger National Scholars demonstrate remarkable strength, courage and resilience in their pursuit of the American Dream," said Tony Novelly, chairman, Horatio Alger Association. "Despite having faced significant challenges in their young lives, these students remain dedicated to their studies and find time to give back to their communities.  As the future leaders of this country, our Association Members, Life Partners and Friends are honored to support these inspiring Scholars on their paths to achievement."

The 2016 Horatio Alger Association National Scholars are students who come from households with an average income of $14,329 per year. These students earn a mean GPA of 3.76 and average ACT score of 26, which is five points above the national average. Each National Scholarship recipient is awarded $22,000 to apply toward the educational costs of the college or university of their choice. Additionally, National Scholars have access to a variety of Association-provided resources including college-preparedness seminars, counseling and referral services and mentoring programs.

"Horatio Alger Association remains committed to recognizing young men and women who show exceptional promise and strength of character," said Byron Trott, president and CEO, Horatio Alger Association. "Past recipients of our National Scholarship have gone on to become extraordinarily successful – both personally and professionally – and I have no doubt that the 2016 Scholars will do the same. We look forward to supporting them in their endeavors and encouraging them to pursue their own versions of the American dream."

In addition to the scholarship, each National Scholar will also receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference and participate in college-preparedness and other educational sessions. There, Horatio Alger Scholars have an opportunity to learn about the Association and the various support programs in which they may partake. In conjunction with the conference, National Scholars will also attend the Association's 69^th Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies, during which the Association will induct 13 distinguished new Members – ranging from established CEOs to innovative entrepreneurs – and recognize this new group of National Scholars. Furthermore, the Scholars will meet and learn from Horatio Alger Members who have also 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 2016 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. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, the Association awards more than $11 million annually in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships across the United States and Canada and provides college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $110 million in college scholarships to more than 22,000 deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

CONTACT:
McKenna Young
484-385-2913 (office)
[email protected]

SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.horatioalger.org