When Montgomery County Ohio College Promise launched in 2010 as a component fund of The Dayton Foundation, it established an ambitious mission. Leaders had a vision to identify, select and support up to 500 Montgomery County eighth graders, whose lives had been impacted by poverty and had shown academic promise, so they could realize the dream of attending and graduating from college. Thanks to the program’s impressive success and the community’s unwavering support, more than $2.8 million has been raised to date for the program’s Extend the Promise Campaign to extend the goal to 1,000 students.
The Dayton Foundation has supported College Promise since its launch with backroom assistance and office support. Additionally, significant grants from Dayton Foundation fund holders are aiding in putting students on a path to higher education.
How College Promise Works
Students accepted into the program make a four-year commitment - freshman through senior year - to practice good citizenship and maintain good grades. Each student is matched with a caring adult mentor, who provides support, guidance and encouragement. Upon the successful completion of high school and meeting the entrance requirements of a College Promise partner college or university, students are awarded scholarships that allow them to attend college at little to no cost to them or their families.
By investing in these youth and breaking the cycle of poverty for 1,000 Montgomery County students, College Promise not only benefits students but also helps to boost our region’s economy by creating a more educated workforce.
Change the Life of a Young Scholar
You can make a difference in the life of a young person by becoming a College Promise mentor. As a mentor, you can guarantee that a student has someone who cares about their success and will be there to help them face life’s challenges throughout their high school years.