NEW YORK—Eighteen-year-old high-school senior Corey Scott hopes to work in the news industry and perhaps be on television. To achieve his goal, Scott believes the first step is studying broadcasting and journalism in college.
“[A college education] is so important because there are things that I really want to do in my life, and it opens up more doors for me, it opens up my mind,” said Scott, who wants to attend the College of Saint Rose in Albany. “I can ... learn new things about others. I can be a better person, rather than just an ordinary one.”
Like many underprivileged students, he faces a daunting financial aid and scholarship application process and prospective loans that he will be forced to pay throughout and after college.
Luckily, Scott, who is currently enrolled at Frannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School in the Bronx, was approached by his teacher about CollegeSet, a new program designed to help fund his tuition through direct donations.
Anyone can browse through the thumbnail photos of underprivileged youth on CollegeSet.org, scroll through their dreams and aspirations, their current circumstances and achievements, and drop cash into their bank accounts to give them a hand up the ladder.
Donors can also follow the progress of the students through the online interface.
It isn’t a free ride though. In addition to connecting students with donors, CollegeSet teaches students to earn on their own, save, and make the most of their savings.
Friends Read Free