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ECMC Scholars Program Awards $372,000 to High School Graduates in Oregon

The ECMC Scholars Program has recently granted scholarships totaling $372,000 to sixty-two high school graduates in Oregon, marking a significant milestone for both the students and the educational community.

These scholarships, valued at $6,000 each, serve more than just a financial purpose. They signify the beginning of a six-year mentorship journey, starting from the students' junior year in high school and extending throughout their college experience. The initiative is designed to provide a comprehensive support system that evolves according to each student's needs, thereby ensuring their academic success and personal growth.

A Unique Approach to Supporting Potential

Unlike traditional scholarships that primarily focus on academic merit, the ECMC Scholars Program identifies and selects students based on their potential, character, and commitment to personal and academic growth. Angela Greenlay, the director of student success at ECMC, highlights that these students gain not only financial aid but also a dedicated team that supports them continuously. This holistic approach aims to empower students, building their confidence and instilling a strong sense of belonging within the educational community.

The program begins with students being paired with on-site mentors from their high schools during their junior year. Over the two-year high school phase, participants engage in a structured curriculum that emphasizes academic preparation, essential life skills, and postsecondary planning. Mentors benefit from ongoing training and guidance from the ECMC Scholars Program's directors, which ensures that they can provide the best possible support to their mentees.

Once graduates transition into college, they continue to receive mentorship and support through a partnership with Beyond 12, a nonprofit organization focused on providing near-peer coaching. ECMC's directors remain actively engaged throughout the college journey, assisting students with challenges, answering their queries, and maintaining motivation on their path to graduation.

Celebrating Diversity Among Scholars

The 2025 cohort represents graduates from eight high schools across Oregon, including La Pine, McDaniel, Madras, Marshall/Bend Tech Academy, Milwaukie, Pendleton, Willamette, and Woodburn. Many of the scholarship recipients are first-generation college students who have successfully completed a demanding two-year program that includes community service, academic enrichment, and career exploration.

Amy Webster, the director of ECMC Scholars, expressed the fulfillment derived from working with this vibrant group of individuals. She noted the resilience and determination exhibited by the students as they navigate various challenges while maintaining a positive outlook.

Proven Results and Continuing Support

Since its inception in 2008, the ECMC Scholars Program has awarded a staggering $7.3 million to 1,219 students in Oregon alone, while also providing a total of $22.2 million to 3,695 students across Oregon, Virginia, and Connecticut. Early indicators suggest that ECMC Scholars exhibit higher college persistence rates compared to their peers, particularly among groups that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Those who stay connected to their mentors and coaches demonstrate an increased likelihood of re-enrollment should they face any educational interruptions.

Josh Mann, the director of the ECMC Scholars Program, emphasizes the initiative's commitment to not just college access but to student success and completion. The goal is to equip students not only with the means to enter college but with the vital support necessary to thrive throughout their educational journeys.

A Model for Future Education Initiatives

The ECMC Scholars Program presents a compelling model for fostering educational success through relationship-based mentorship and support. As the national conversation about college access continues, the program sets a precedent for how long-term, meaningful assistance can transform the educational landscape, creating opportunities and outcomes for students who need it the most.

About ECMC

ECMC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to student success. Its mission focuses on reducing student loan default rates through college access programs, financial literacy initiatives, and resources that aid students in successfully repaying their loans. To learn more about ECMC's initiatives, visit www.ecmc.org/students.