FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2016

CONTACT:
McKenna Young
484-385-2913 (office)
myoung@briancom.com

Horatio Alger Association Officially Opens Applications for Its 2017 Scholarship Programs Nationwide

The Association will award nearly $14 million in college funding to students across the United States who have overcome significant adversity and are determined to further their education

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 1, 2016) –Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced that applications are open for its 2017 scholarship programs. With the goal of awarding nearly $14 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships in 2017 to more than 1,800 students, the Association operates one of the largest privately funded, need-based scholarship programs in the country.  Applications for national- and state-level scholarships are now being accepted through October 25, 2016.

Students interested in applying for Horatio Alger Association scholarships must meet a series of requirements related to education, character and family income. Once chosen, Horatio Alger Scholars are provided with resources to ensure a successful higher education experience, including financial aid advice, access to guidance and crisis counselors, mentoring programs, channels to interact with other Scholars, tools to manage the disbursement of funds and access to educational staff for assistance with their scholarships.

“Each year, the new class of Horatio Alger Scholars exemplifies inspiration, hope and the undeniable power of the American Dream,” said Tony Novelly, chairman, Horatio Alger Association. “These remarkable young men and women, having overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges, define what it means to have a resilient spirit. We are continually moved by their strength and determination and are pleased to support them as they pursue their dreams. Through the generosity of our Members, we welcome applications for the Association’s 2017 scholarship programs.”

Through its robust scholarship programs, Horatio Alger Association supports high school students of exceptional character who demonstrate a commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities, despite facing great adversity. Since 1984, more than 22,000 students, from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have received more than $125 million in scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies.  In addition, Horatio Alger Association recently completed its Investing in America’s Future Campaign, raising $250 million toward its endowment fund.  This fund will enable the Association to increase the value of its scholarships and to endow them in perpetuity.  Currently, Horatio Alger National Scholarships are valued at $25,000 and State Scholarships are predominantly valued at $10,000. Recipients of the Horatio Alger National Scholarship are invited to attend the National Scholars Conference, held in conjunction with the Awards Induction Ceremonies, where they connect with current Members, many of whom will serve as mentors to these young students.

Horatio Alger Association was founded in 1947, and since 1984, it has administered one of the nation’s largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship programs. The Association has awarded more than $125 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships to students from across the United States (including all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) and Canada. In 2000, 16 years after the establishment of its National Scholarship Program, Horatio Alger Members began funding scholarships concentrated in each state to further the Association’s mission of helping deserving young people pursue their collegiate goals.

For more information about Horatio Alger Association, please visit www.horatioalger.org. To engage on social media, please “Like” the organization on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/HoratioAlgerUS); and “follow” on Twitter (https://twitter.com/HoratioAlgerUS) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/horatioalgerassociation/).

 ###

About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, the Association awards more than $12 million annually in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships across the United States and Canada and provides college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $125 million in college scholarships to more than 22,000 deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.