ECMC Foundation Increases Pledge to $2.8 Million in Higher Education Scholarships for Oregon Students

ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ECMC Foundation announced today that it will increase funding to continue the ECMC Scholars Program in Oregon for the sixth year. The funding increase means scholarships will be available to eligible ECMC Scholars through the graduating class of 2013.

The ECMC Scholars Program gives students with potential the support they may need to become successful in high school and go on to higher education. Eight public high schools in Oregon were chosen to participate according to need-based criteria.

Candidates are selected in their sophomore year by a committee of their teachers, guidance counselors and other educators to participate in the program during their junior and senior years. Students who successfully complete the program's requirements at their schools are eligible for up to $6,000 in scholarships for their first two years of college.

ECMC Foundation partnered with the Oregon Department of Education in 2006 to form the Oregon ECMC Scholars Program.

"Nothing should stand in the way of students and their college dreams," said Oregon Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo. "Unfortunately, for too many students in Oregon, finances are a barrier to a college degree. Thanks to ECMC Foundation's continued scholarship support, deserving students from eight Oregon high schools now have the means to pursue their aspirations."

For more information about the ECMC Scholars Program, visit www.ecmcfoundation.org.

About ECMC Foundation

ECMC Foundation helps people of all ages further their education goals, particularly low-income individuals, as well as those who may be the first member of their family to have an opportunity to attend college. Our innovative outreach programs focus on college access, retention and success. Through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions and community organizations, ECMC Foundation is able to make the dream of college a reality for those individuals who may not otherwise have an opportunity to pursue higher education. For more information, visit www.ecmcfoundation.org. ECMC Foundation is funded by ECMC Group.

SOURCE ECMC Foundation