PNC Announces College Bound Scholarships

WESTVILLE – Purdue University North Central Chancellor James B. Dworkin announced that PNC will offer full college scholarships to qualifying Michigan City Area School students as part of the newly formed College Bound program.

The announcement was made Monday during the Martin Luther King Jr., Unity Breakfast at PNC. The event was attended by a variety of community and spiritual leaders, business professionals, students and interested citizens. Featured speaker was the Most. Rev. Dale J. Melczek, bishop of the Diocese of Gary.

As explained by Dworkin, College Bound, is a partnership between PNC and the Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS) to provide full PNC scholarships to promising students who show potential in an area that PNC offers a baccalaureate degree. Students will be selected for the College Bound program in the seventh grade based upon test scores, teacher recommendations and other criteria. The program is open to all MCAS students, regardless of sex, race, ethic background or family income.

From eighth grade through high school graduation, students will take part in field trips, after-school programs and summer camps. They will be assigned a mentor-teacher who will help prepare and inspire them to attend PNC to pursue a university education.

The program foundation will be laid this year as 25 seventh grade students are identified to begin full participation as eighth graders in the 2004-2005 school year. New students will be added each following year.

Qualifying students will receive scholarships so that students may pursue bachelor’s degrees at PNC.

“We are happy to be a part of this groundbreaking program,” said Dworkin. “This is an exciting partnership with the Michigan City Area Schools. We hope our success will allow us to expand to other area school districts. We want to make a college education a reality for young people who may never have had a chance at higher education. Many will be the first in their families to attend college. These students will be welcomed at PNC and will enhance the racial, ethnic and socio-economic diversity of our student body.”

MCAS Superintendent Fred LaBorn confirmed that the College Bound program presents a welcome opportunity for the city’s students.

“This puts a college education within reach of our students. Our students and their families can now look forward to fulfilling their dream of attending college, and ultimately earning a degree from Purdue North Central,” he said. “This is a tremendous opportunity.”

The program will be financed through donations from area organizations, grants and individual contributions.

Horizon Bank of Michigan City made a five-year commitment to help fund College Bound scholarships. Craig Dwight, chairman and chief executive officer, said the scholarships are an investment in the community and will help secure the future of the MCAS students, their families and their community.

“It is our honor to be part of this worthwhile program. Providing opportunities for higher education is a sound investment for all of us. I look forward to watching this program grow,” said Dwight.

“We appreciate the support that College Bound has received,” said Dworkin. “College Bound will benefit the participating students and their families, and it will also be a great asset to our community as we see students graduate with college degrees so they can pursue secure, well-paying careers in Northwest Indiana, raise their families here and become our community leaders.”

To make a contribution to College Bound, contact Joseph Goepfrich, PNC vice chancellor for development and alumni, at 1-800-872-1231, ext. 5672.

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