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Two Corliss H.S. Students Among 300 Nationally to Receive Scholarships From the Dell Foundation

Two students in the Upward Bound program at Metropolitan Family Services Calumet Center have been named 2010 Dell Scholars by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, winning $20,000 each to continue their education for the next six years.

Jessica J. and Lori H. are both seniors at George Henry Corliss High School in Chicago. Jessica, who achieved a 4.2/5.0 GPA, will major in Business with a concentration in Accounting at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill.

Lori, who achieved a 4.0/5.0 GPA and in addition to the Dell scholarship, also received a $16,000 Academic Recognition Scholarship for Minorities from Ball State University, will attend Ball State, located in Muncie, Ind., and major in Family and Consumer Sciences.

Dr. Anthony Spivey, principal of the George Henry Corliss High School and his team celebrate along with the entire graduating class the great achievement of these students, as they represent academic excellence as Dell Scholars 2010.

“We are proud of Jessica and Lori and the excellence they’ve demonstrated in being selected as Dell Scholars,” says Audrena Spence, Executive Director of Metropolitan’s Calumet Center. “We know they are off to a great future and are excited for them and all our Upward Bound students – we have 20 of them who are headed for college this fall.”

Most of the Dell Scholars are first-generation college students and are chosen because they participate in an approved college readiness program and maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale while dealing with personal responsibilities at home or in their communities. Dell Scholars will receive $20,000 each to continue their higher education for the next six years. More than just a check, the Dell Scholars Program also provides its students with technology, resources and mentoring to ensure they have the support they need to obtain a college degree. The additional resources have contributed to the program’s retention rate of almost 95 percent, well above the national average of 23 percent for students with the same socioeconomic profile.

“We award low-income or financially underserved students who perform better than their GPAs or test scores may indicate, and who have overcome some significant obstacles to pursue their education,” said Oscar Sweeten-Lopez, of the Dell Scholars Program at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “Our program and support constantly evolves based on our experiences with students and schools but we continue to provide these students with unprecedented support for everything they need to obtain a college degree and graduate with far less debt than the average college student.”

SPECIAL NOTE: Metropolitan Calumet will honor its Dell scholars and all its Upward Bound students heading to college this fall with a “It‘s in the Trunk” celebration, taking place from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at Metropolitan Calumet Center, 235 E. 103rd St., Chicago. It’s in the Trunk is a celebration for young minority students as they prepare for their journey to college and is an initiative to help provide them with necessary supplies and items for a successful collegiate experience. This year we shall celebrate with twenty Upward Bound students. A list of suggested donations is attached.

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

About Metropolitan Family Services
Metropolitan Family Services, one of Chicago’s first and largest human services organizations, strengthens more than 50,000 low-income individuals and families throughout Chicago and the suburbs each year.

Trunk List

  • Bath towels
  • Wash clothes
  • Heavy duty back packs
  • Pens, pencils, college-rule paper
  • Bathmat
  • Shower caddy
  • First aid kit
  • Blow dryer
  • Electric toothbrush
  • Curling Iron
  • Shower shoes (male and female)
  • Sewing kit
  • Laptop computer
  • Printer
  • Alarm clock
  • Bean bag
  • Extra long twin sheets
  • Pajamas (male and female)
  • Watch
  • Flashlight with batteries
  • Lounge chair
  • Storage ottoman
  • Television (small)
  • Door mirror
  • Area rug
  • Throw pillows
  • Nightstand
  • Floor lamp
  • Desk lamp
  • Desk accessories
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Waste basket
  • Vanity mirror
  • Food storage containers
  • Underbed boxes
  • Storage cart
  • Storage cubes
  • Shoe rack
  • Over the door organizer
  • Hangers (plastic)
  • Hooks
  • Hamper
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • CD/DVD storage
  • MP3 player
  • DVD/VCR