To date, more than 85% of the high school seniors participating in New Jersey SEEDS’ College Scholars Program have been accepted to at least one institution of higher education, with 43% receiving notification during the early decision period. In addition, SEEDS has selected 42 high school juniors from 23 high schools throughout central and northern New Jersey for its 2021 class, 92% of whom are first generation college attendees. SEEDS is a nonprofit helping high achieving, low-income students get into and thrive at the nation’s finest schools and colleges.
“We are so proud of this year’s class as they prepare to attend college. That so many were offered early admittance is a testament to their hard work. We are helping these young people be defined by their achievements and not by their zip codes,” explained John Castano, President and CEO, NJ SEEDS. “We are also excited to welcome the next class of College Scholars and help them realize their dreams.”
All of the College Scholars are expected to attend very selective colleges. Of those that applied during an early decision round, more than 70% have been offered early admittance to one these schools: Bates College, Bowdoin College, Brandeis University, Case Western Reserve, Colby College, Colgate University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Howard University, Johns Hopkins University, Lehigh University, Northeastern University, Smith College, Union College, University of Richmond, Vassar, Washington University, and Wesleyan University.
SEEDS’ College Scholars program is a free, 17-month program that helps high-achieving, low-income students from New Jersey public high schools get into highly competitive colleges. These students are nominated, and if accepted, participate in a four-step program. The first step begins spring of junior year when students meet every Saturday to learn about college entrance and hone their test skills. The second step occurs the following summer when students live on the campus of Hobart and William Smith Colleges and take classes to further prepare them for college life. During step three in the fall of senior year, students complete their college applications and visit additional college campuses. The final part of the program takes place the second half of senior year. During this part, scholars visit colleges where they have been accepted, continue refining their writing skills, and mentor the new class of scholars.
As the Class of ’20 prepares to enter college, SEEDS named the Class of 2021 scholars. These 42 juniorscome from all over New Jersey, hailing from Avenel, Belleville, Carteret, Cliffside Park, Garfield, East Orange, Hackensack, Hillside, Iselin, Newark, New Brunswick, North Bergen, North Plainfield, Orange, Paterson, Perth Amboy, Plainfield, Rahway, South Hackensack, and Weehawken. (For specific student names, contact Shawn Flaherty at 703-554-3609).
New Jersey SEEDS provides educational access for highly motivated, low-income students and created a viable path for them to achieve their full potential. Over the years, SEEDS has helped more than 2,700 low-income middle school, high school, and college level students gain access to educational opportunities at selective day and boarding schools or colleges and universities across the country with substantial financial aid packages. SEEDS invests approximately $17K in each student, yielding nearly $500K in financial aid.
Photo Credit: NJ SEEDS
