The ECMC Scholars Program, sponsored by ECMC Foundation, was established to help students with potential but not necessarily the best grades prepare to graduate from high school and go on to some form of higher education.

To date, ECMC Foundation has pledged more than $7 million to the ECMC Scholars Program, which operates independently in both Virginia and Oregon.

Students who successfully complete the program earn $4,000 to pay for their first year of college and are eligible to receive $2,000 for their second year. This year’s ECMC Scholars include 174 graduating seniors.

“These young men and women have worked hard to achieve their goals and merit their selection as ECMC Scholars,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright said. “I congratulate them and thank the ECMC Foundation for its continued investment in the young people of Virginia.”

In partnership with each state’s department of education, ECMC Foundation works with select public high schools throughout Virginia and Oregon to execute the ECMC Scholars Program. Every year, committees of teachers, guidance counselors and other educators from these schools choose sophomores to participate in the program during their junior and senior years. Candidates are chosen based on which students show potential and are most likely to benefit from the additional mentoring and support provided through the program.

“In these economically challenging times, the ECMC Scholars Program is an incredible opportunity for Oregon students,” said Oregon State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo. “It inspires our high school students to work hard and keep their eye on the prize of attending college after graduation. I am thankful for the vision and continued financial support of the ECMC Foundation.”

For a complete list of the 2010 ECMC Scholars and participating schools, click on the following links.

• Virginia award recipients >
• Oregon award recipients >