The students were awarded the scholarships based on a number of criteria that include academic success, financial need and essays.

• Sigourney Bailey will graduate from Open High School in June and will attend Marymount University. She plans on studying fashion merchandising and business.
• Rachel Eiker is graduating from Open High School this spring. She will be a freshman at the University of Mary Washington and pursue a degree in psychology.
• Virgie Fields is a rising sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is majoring in biomedical engineering.
• Tanika Green is a junior at Hampton University. She is a student in the Pharmacy degree program and will receive her Doctor of Pharmacy upon graduation.

“We are proud of this year’s scholarship recipients and commend them for all their achievements,” said Amanda Bate, director of The College Place, Richmond.

“Students like these are the reason ECMC Foundation and The College Place exist,” said March Kessler, executive director of ECMC Foundation. “We are pleased to be able to support student success in Virginia.”

The College Place offers free resources to help students prepare for and succeed in college. In addition to awarding annual scholarships, The College Place provides in-person guidance, online research opportunities and financial aid seminars for students and their families.

As part of accepting the scholarships, recipients will assist The College Place, Richmond, throughout the summer by mentoring elementary school students and conveying to them the importance of higher education.

Questions about The College Place, Richmond, can be directed to Amanda Bate at abate@ecmc.org or 1-866-326-2827.