Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, announced 615 students from across the nation will receive its prestigious 2018 Horatio Alger State Scholarships.
These young men and women are recognized for their admirable commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities, despite facing significant adversity.
The honorees include Megan Blau of Randall K. Cooper High School in Burlington. She is one of only eight Kentuckians to receive the scholarship.
Since the establishment of its scholarship programs in 1984, more than 25,000 students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada have received more than $125 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships. In 2000, 16 years after the establishment of its National Scholarship Program, Horatio Alger Members began funding scholarships concentrated in each state to further its mission of assisting deserving young people to pursue higher education. Additionally, Association Members fund a series of Specialized Scholarships, which are targeted to students based on specific degree programs or academic institutions.
Funders in Kentucky are Lift-A-Life Foundation and James A. Patterson.
“The Horatio Alger State Scholars have faced myriad hardships with great strength, courage and resilience,” said Matthew Rose, president, Horatio Alger Association and 2013 Horatio Alger Award recipient. “In recognition of their resilience, commitment to higher education and support of their local communities, my fellow Members and I are proud to support these inspiring students in their tireless pursuit of the American Dream.”
Collectively, the 2018 Horatio Alger State Scholarship recipients have maintained an average GPA of 3.67 while coming from households with an average annual income of $17,998. Each recipient is awarded up to $10,000 to apply toward the tuition of their selected college or university.
