Worcester program helping college-bound city students gets renewed funding

Worcester program helping college-bound city students gets renewed funding

WORCESTER – When Ghada Al-Hafez first arrived with her family as Syrian refugees in America little more than two years ago, she barely knew English, let alone how to navigate the world of preparing for college.

But thanks in part to the Bruce Wells Scholars Upward Bound Program, the rising sophomore at South High Community School, who was all smiles talking about her situation this past Thursday, is now thinking about pursuing an education in medicine.

“I just love it,” she said of the government-subsidized program, which helps local low-income high school students prepare to become the first members of their family to attend college. “I came from this low point – I had lost hope. (Getting invited into the program), it was such a happy moment for me.”

This summer, the program’s coordinators are celebrating as well; despite having shaky faith the new federal government under President Donald Trump would continue funding their efforts, they learned last month they had secured a new five-year grant worth around $1.5 million:READ MORE

Source: http://www.telegram.com/