The financial cost to go to college just got a lot cheaper for two Gwinnett County Public Schools students after receiving scholarships from College Board. Alyssa, a senior at Gwinnett Online Campus, and Yadhira, a McClure Health Science High School senior, have been awarded $40,000 scholarships through College Board’s BigFuture program. College Board is a not-for-profit membership organization that pioneered programs like the SAT® and AP®. Its BigFuture program is a free online resource that helps students plan for college, pay for college, and explore careers. Students who complete steps on the BigFuture portal that prepare them for college qualify to win $40,000 scholarships. 

     Alyssa, a senior at GOC, says she is grateful for the honor. “I have been working part-time and saving money to attend North Georgia University in the fall,” Alyssa shares. “I plan to study business and entrepreneurship.” Representatives from College Board surprised both students at their respective schools, presenting them with oversized checks in front of family, classmates, and school staff. “This scholarship is a game changer. It takes the pressure off and makes me very happy. I can’t believe it,” Alyssa shares. 

    Yadhira, an accomplished student taking four Advanced Placement classes this year, was shocked when she was told she had won the scholarship. “I have always loved to learn, and this scholarship will enable me to continue learning and accomplish my dreams,” Yadhira shares. “Ever since I learned about science, I've always wanted to learn about cells and the power inside of them. I want to go to college and become a bioengineer so I can work in labs to learn about cells.” 

     Each month, BigFuture awards hundreds of $500 and two $40,000 scholarships to students who have completed key college and career planning steps on their BigFuture dashboard. College Board says this is the first time two students from the same state and school district have been named winners of the scholarships.   

     For more information about BigFuture and how to win scholarships, visit the College Board Website and search for BigFuture. 

 

Images from the scholarship announcement.