ECMC Scholars Program Awards $1.2 Million to High School Graduates in Connecticut, Virginia and Oregon

Six-Year Mentorship Program Begins in High School and Extends into Postsecondary Education to Ensure Students Have the Support They Need to Succeed

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 200 high school graduates across Connecticut, Virginia, and Oregon have received a combined $1,278,000 as part of a transformative educational journey that began their junior year. As participants in the ECMC Scholars Program, each of the 213 students recently earned a $6,000 scholarship to support their postsecondary academic experience.

But the financial award is only part of the package.

Unlike traditional scholarships based solely on academic performance, ECMC Scholars are chosen for their potential, character and commitment to growth. The program spans six years—two in high school and four in college—offering a dynamic support system that evolves with each student.

"A scholarship can help a student get to college, but financial support alone is not always enough to help them persist," said Angela Greenlay, director of student success at ECMC. "Through the ECMC Scholars Program, students build trusted relationships and gain the knowledge, confidence and ongoing support they need to navigate challenges, stay on track and work toward completing their education."

A Six-Year Model for Success
The ECMC Scholars' journey begins in 11th grade, when students are paired with an on-site coach employed by their high school. Over two years, they participate in a structured curriculum where students explore higher education and career pathways, learn how to make informed decisions about paying for college, and develop skills needed to set students up for a lifetime of success. The coaches receive ongoing training and support from ECMC Scholars Program directors.

Once in college, students continue to receive personalized guidance from postsecondary coaches who help them navigate their first two years of college. ECMC Scholars Program Directors remain actively involved throughout the four years of college, offering additional support to ensure students stay on track for graduation and beyond.

Real Impact, Real Results
Since 2005, ECMC has provided $23.5 million in scholarships to 3,910 students across Connecticut, Oregon and Virginia.

Early data shows that ECMC Scholars' college-going rate is 83%, significantly higher than the national college-going rate of 61%—especially among students from underrepresented backgrounds. Scholars who stay connected with their coaches are also far more likely to re-enroll if they pause their education, which demonstrates the power of sustained, personalized support.

A Model Built for Persistence
The ECMC Scholars Program combines scholarship funding with sustained coaching from high school through college. This long-term approach helps students navigate challenges, remain connected to support and continue progressing toward graduation.

About ECMC
ECMC is a nonprofit corporation with a mission to help students succeed. ECMC works to lower student loan default rates; sponsors college access and success initiatives and financial literacy programs; and provides resources to support student loan borrowers to successfully repay their loans. To learn more about ECMC's initiatives, visit www.ecmc.org/studentseducators.

SOURCE ECMC