TMJF President Receives Hero Award for Foundation’s Commitment
The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and State Representative Royce Duplessis (D-93) joined College Track leadership and students in celebration of high school seniors continuing on to a four-year college degree and setting a new standard for students within New Orleans.
WHEN: Friday, May 24, 2019, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
WHERE: Dillard University 2601 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122
WHY: In 2008, College Track expanded to New Orleans with an inaugural class of 50 freshmen. Today, more than 400 high school and college students are on the path to and through college, making College Track the largest college completion program in the city.
This year, 100% of the 48 high school seniors set a new standard for students across New Orleans:
● 44 seniors will matriculate to a four-year college
● 4 seniors will begin study abroad programs through Global Citizen Year in Ecuador and Senegal
● 14 seniors have earned full-ride scholarships to universities including Bowdoin College, Emory University, Rhodes College, Smith College, Spelman College, Stanford University, Tulane University, Vanderbilt University, and Wake Forest University
● 1 senior will be joining the National Guard before enrolling in a four-year university
● 6 were recognized as Malcolm Jenkins Scholars and received a $1500.00 scholarship from The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation
College Track’s success in New Orleans is due in part to the 7-year partnership with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. Since 2012, the Foundation has offered Project REWARDS (Reinforcing Education With Activities, Recreation and Developmental Supports), a collaborative, education development program that actively engages College Track scholars with a cirriculum focused on Builiding Self-Confidence, Health and Wellness and Strategic Thinking. Additionally, the Foundation has awarded more than $128,000 in scholarship support; provided final exam study baskets to matriculating college freshman; funded out-of-state college tours, and provided career opportunities and critical networking exposure and workshops to help them progress forward in their professional development..
WHO: The speaking program featured:
● Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, President of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, receiving the Hero Award for the Foundation’s commitment to College Track
● State Representative Royce Duplessis (D-93)
● College Track New Orleans Regional Executive Director Mike Woodward
● College Track Senior Quincy Weary, enrolled at Davidson College
● College Track alumna Tayler Payton, graduate of Tulane University
About College Track
College Track is a comprehensive college completion program that empowers students from underserved communities to graduate from college. From ninth grade through college graduation, our 10-year program removes the academic, financial, and social-emotional barriers that prevent low-income and first-generation students from earning their college degree. In 1997, we started with 25 students in East Palo Alto, and today, we have nine centers located in underserved communities across California, Colorado, Louisiana, and the D.C. Metro Area, with more than 3,000 students on the path to upward social mobility. For more information, visit: www.collegetrack.org
