The Emerald Eagle Scholars program at UNT and the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) – Texas Beat the Odds® scholarship program have forged a new partnership that will allow the two programs to work together to promote higher education opportunities for deserving young people in Texas.
President V. Lane Rawlins announced the partnership at the fifth annual Emerald Ball on Feb. 19. The annual gala is aimed at raising funds for the Emerald Eagle Scholars program, which provides tuition, fees and mentoring to academically talented students with high financial need. Since it began in 2007, the Emerald Eagle Scholars program has helped more than 1,900 young people realize their dream of attending college.
CDF's Beat the Odds scholarship program, which is awarded in a handful of cities nationwide, honors, celebrates and rewards outstanding high school seniors who have overcome tremendous adversity to achieve academically and demonstrate leadership in their communities. In addition to financial scholarships, CDF's Beat the Odds award provides mentoring, support and leadership training to build the growing movement of future advocates for children. Through their partnership, UNT and CDF–Texas hope to help even more young people realize their fullest potential through higher education.
“Too many young people lack the financial resources and support necessary to obtain a college degree, without which their future prospects are dim. We are delighted to work with UNT to link hardworking students with greater financial resources and open up opportunities to support their continued development,” says Brandi Brown, CDF-Texas Youth Leadership Development Director.
Alyssa Yancey with UNT News Service can be reached at Alyssa.yancey@unt.edu. |