106 Remarkable and Resilient High School Students Awarded $21,000 through 2014 Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2014 /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 2014 Horatio Alger National Scholarships. 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 and Puerto Rico, and Canada.  The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program is one of the nation's largest privately-funded, need-based financial aid programs, and in 2014 alone, the Association will award $9 million to its National Scholars.

"Horatio Alger Scholars possess remarkable strength and resilience," said David Sokol, chairman of Horatio Alger Association. "We are immensely proud to support these young people who have not let adversity or financial need hinder their pursuit of a good education. Horatio Alger Association is confident of their success and proud to assist as they seek to share in the American Dream."  

Scholars come from households with an average income of $15,000 per year. These students average a 3.8 GPA and a mean SAT score of 1,684, which is more than 100 points above the national average. Each deserving recipient is awarded $21,000 per year 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 assistance for the selection of and preparation for college, access to guidance and crisis counselors as well as mentoring programs.

A full list of Horatio Alger Association's Class of 2014 National Scholars is available here.

"I am honored and privileged to be part of an organization that is providing comprehensive support to brave and intelligent young men and women," said Tony Novelly, President and CEO of the Horatio Alger Association. "Our Scholars have an intense desire to succeed even as they face incomparable odds.  My fellow Members and I strongly believe that our scholarship support is truly an investment in America's Future."

Each new National Scholar will also receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. where they are invited to attend the Association's annual three-day event.  Here, the Association will induct 12 new Members – ranging from CEOs to philanthropists to a former United States Ambassador – in addition to recognizing the 2014 National Scholarship recipients.  During these events, Scholars will learn more about the Association and the various support programs in which they can take partake.  Additionally, they will have the opportunity to meet and learn from the Horatio Alger Members – all of whom are elite business, civic and philanthropic leaders who, like the Scholars, have overcome significant adversities.  It is the Members of the Association who wholly support the National Scholarship Program through private donations.

For more information about Horatio Alger Association and its 2014 National Scholars, please visit https://www.horatioalger.org.  

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: 
Nikki Elkins
484-385-2958 (office)
[email protected]

SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.