Students graduate from Delaware College Scholars program

This summer, 34 rising college freshmen graduated from the rigorous Delaware College Scholars program. 

“This year has been difficult on students across the nation, our scholars included. But from the beginning, this cohort has knocked down every barrier they’ve experienced and succeeded in the face of adversity. The start of our scholars’ college career may not be how they imagined it, but I know that with their tenacity, talent and hard work, they will succeed,” said Dr. Tony Alleyne, executive director, Delaware College Scholars. 

Graduates, who come from under-resourced backgrounds and are the first in their family to attend college, lived and learned together in a dorm setting for the last two summers. This year, they participated in academic classes online, mirroring the experience many will see this year as they begin college. 

Throughout the program, students participated in an academically rigorous college-style curriculum, took standardized test prep classes, and received individualized mentorship on understanding financial aid, scholarships and the best college fit for them while in the program. As they start their college experience this summer and fall, DCS’ college persistence officers will follow these graduates to ensure a successful transition to their first year of college. The persistence officers will continue to work with DCS graduates throughout their college career to help students remain on track to graduate from competitive colleges and universities in four to five years. 

This year’s Sussex County graduates include:

Tameyaah Bowden, Sussex Central High School, University of Delaware; Zulma Escalante, Sussex Central High School, Elizabethtown College; Alondra Estrada, Indian River High School, Delaware Technical Community College; Mikerlange  Etienne, Laurel High School, University of Delaware; James Givens, Sussex Central High School, Delaware Technical Community College; Alicia Lopez, Sussex Central High School, University of Delaware; Leah Miller, Laurel High School, Delaware Technical Community College; and Kylie Fothergill, Woodbridge High School, Delaware Technical Community College.

Delaware College Scholars  is a leading college preparation and college persistence program in the State of Delaware. For high-achieving, under-resourced, public high school students, DCS’ seven-year tuition-free program provides its scholars with a clear path to college graduation from competitive four-year universities. Scholars prepare for college acceptance and success by participating in one of the most academically rigorous college-level curricula in the state and receiving year-round personal counseling during their college years. 

To date, 91 percent of Delaware College Scholars, who are often the first in their family to attend college, have gone on to four-year institutions of higher learning. To learn more about DCS, visit www.delawarecollegescholars.com.