College scholarship program available to third-graders

Attention parents of third-graders: A scholarship fund has been created for economically disadvantaged students in Albany, and families must apply by Jan. 19 to be considered.

The George Biddle Kelley Education Foundation is sponsoring the Collegiate Scholars of Tomorrow Program to encourage families to start planning early for college. The program will provide college savings accounts and skill-building programs to students who qualify.

Click here for a link to the application.

There are a limited number of slots available currently, and the foundation is focusing on economically disadvantaged third-graders performing at a high Level 2 or above.

Research shows that students who save for college are three times more likely to enroll and four more times likely to graduate. According to the foundation, even modest college savings can change the expectations of students and parents, making higher education a reality.

The George Biddle Kelley Education Foundation is the educational/community service arm of the Beta Pi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. In addition to the foundation, community supporters of the College Scholars of Tomorrow program include Albany Medical Center.

The foundation is named after Troy native and resident George Biddle Kelley. He was born in 1884 to a fugitive slave from Virginia, studied civil engineering at Cornell University and was one of the seven founding members of Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest Greek letter fraternity organized originally for black men.

The mission of the City School District of Albany is to work in partnership with our diverse community to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. The district serves nearly 9,700 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.