PNC College Bound Program Announces New Partner

WESTVILLE – The Purdue University North Central College Bound scholarship program has received the support of community partner City Savings Bank of Michigan City.

Chancellor James B. Dworkin made the announcement of City Savings Bank’s five-year financial commitment to the program at a news conference Thursday afternoon. The PNC College Bound program has also forged partnerships with Horizon Bank and Sullair Corp., of Michigan City, the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation and NIPSCO. Their monetary support will help provide full PNC scholarships to qualifying Michigan City Area School (MCAS) students. The scholarships will be financed through donations from area organizations, grants and individual contributions.

College Bound is a collaboration between PNC and MCAS to make the dream of attending college a reality for MCAS students. Students will be selected for participation in 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.

The first group of 25 College Bound students will be selected this school year and will begin full participation as eighth graders during the 2005 – 2006 academic year. Each following year, 25 eighth grade students will join the program.

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.

“We are happy to have City Savings Bank join us in this groundbreaking program,” said Dworkin. “This is an exciting partnership with the Michigan City Area Schools that will allow a college education to be within the reach of young people who may never have had a chance at a 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.”

Thomas F. Swirski, president and chief executive officer City Savings Bank, said helping secure the future of MCAS students with these scholarships is a great community investment.

“We are very honored to be a part of this great program for our local students. Investing in our youth is the best financial opportunity we can offer to the community. A higher education for these students offers endless opportunities for all of us. We look forward to the growth of the program,” said Swirski.

“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 advancement, at 800-872-1231, ext. 5672.

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