For each of the past 17 years since its inception in 2006, the JLS Foundation has proudly supported at least five students from the Hoosick Falls Central School (HFCS) senior class. We have provided a trip to New York City for professional networking, as well as mentoring and a partial college scholarship (for one student per year) to help individuals into college and hopefully thriving careers.
To ensure the JLS Foundation is reaching those students who need and deserve our help the most, we are making a significant change to our program beginning with the Class of 2024.
We are shifting our focus to First-Generation college students with significant financial need. Research shows that helping these students through college and into solid careers is one of the most effective ways to promote social mobility, which means providing opportunities for individuals to move up the social and economic ladder. This social mobility typically lasts for generations. Instead of the trip to New York City and a partial scholarship for one student we will provide access for five HFCS students to Marist College’s long-standing Summer Pre-College Program. The prospect of going to college, especially for First-Generation students, can be daunting. This two-week program, ranked as one of the best in the United States, allows high school students to live on campus, take classes, and form bonds with others from across the country. Students completing the program earn three college credits. It is our hope this experience will be transformational and instill the confidence needed for college success. First-Generation college students represent one-third of all students that enroll in U.S. colleges and universities. So, which ones do we choose? We’re going to select students exhibiting strength of character. Our goal is that these First-Generation students will be the next generation of leaders in this country. Now, more than ever, we need to develop leaders who are strong in character traits such as honesty, respect, humility, and compassion.
We understand the summer pre-college program is just the beginning of the support that will be needed to ensure First-Generation students can thrive. In the coming months, we’ll be announcing additional support that will be available to the JLS Foundation First-Generation scholars throughout their college and post-college careers.
Sincerely,
John Liporace