have faced adversity. Many are working-class kids who live below the poverty line. Most are first-generation college students. Some have incarcerated parents and others are growing up in the foster system.

They select scholarship recipients early—in the ninth grade—in order to prepare them for college. Their scholars are held accountable. They are required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA in high school, take a college preparatory course load, and demonstrate strong character throughout the program.