INDIANAPOLIS, March 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inner-city, at-risk high school seniors at Christel House Academy South (CHAS) will have additional support for their university aspirations, thanks to a generous grant from USA Funds. The nonprofit awarded a $10,000 grant to CHAS to support activities such as college visits, SAT and ACT prep, college application completion assistance and "Freshman Survival Kits." These kits consist of a suitcase, bedding and other necessary supplies that will help students to be successful away from home.
In order to earn a high school diploma at CHAS, it is mandatory for every senior to have a college acceptance letter in hand. Every senior is encouraged to apply to at least three colleges/universities – a "dream" school, a "reality" school and a back-up.
"In keeping with our mission to enhance postsecondary education preparedness, access and success, USA Funds is delighted to support the College Trailblazers initiative," said Carol D'Amico, USA Funds executive vice president, National Engagement and Philanthropy. "We are pleased that our funding will help low-income, first-generation students make the transition from high school to college, so that they have the opportunity to enjoy successful, fulfilling careers."
"The College Trailblazers initiative would never have been possible without USA Funds' support," says Carey Dahncke, chief academic officer of Christel House Academy. "Aspirational goals, opportunities to dream and plans to pursue those dreams will help our graduates envision and achieve a better future. As students in our first class of CHAS 12th graders receive their diplomas this spring, we celebrate their achievement and thank USA Funds for its part in supporting their success."
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About Christel House Academy
Established as a public charter school in 2002, Christel House Academy (CHA) currently transforms the lives of more than 600 at-risk students. The school has a 93 percent economically disadvantaged population and a nearly equal representation of Hispanic, Black and White students; 30 percent of the students are English language learners; and 16 percent receive special education services. CHA was Indiana's first charter school to receive the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, and was recognized as one of 10 MetLife Foundation–NAASP "Breakthrough Schools." For more information, please visit www.cha.christelhouse.org .
About USA Funds
Headquartered in suburban Indianapolis, USA Funds is a nonprofit organization that promotes postsecondary education completion with a purpose, by supporting postsecondary students' attainment of credentials and competencies that lead to productive and rewarding careers and thus to economic, civic and creative contributions to their communities and to society. For more information, visit www.usafunds.org .
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Heather Richey 317-464-8268
