Blugold Beginning is a precollege awareness program that targets elementary through high school students from underrepresented groups. The goal of the program is to educate and inspire these students to believe that higher education is important and possible for them. The program started in spring 2009 and was offered to middle and high school students within a 60-mile radius of campus. In June UW-Eau Claire received a College Access Challenge Grant to replicate the Phuture Phoenix program at UW-Green Bay. This has allowed the program to expand to include fifth grade elementary students. Through the program the participants are given information on preparing and succeeding in college. UW-Eau Claire students serve as tutors and mentors to the youngsters in the program throughout the school year. The program also includes a fifth grade UW-Eau Claire campus tour day, high school events and summer camps. One of the important goals of the program is to offer scholarships to Blugold Beginnings students who enroll at UW- Eau Claire. A Blugold Beginnings Scholarship will award $1,500 to students who successfully complete the program, are accepted at UW-Eau Claire, have been recommended for the scholarship and have financial need. If you are interested in supporting a Blugold Beginnings scholarship, choose the giving option that is best for you on the Foundation's giving page, and type "Blugold Beginnings Scholarship" in the online giving form when designating the use of your gift. For more information on Blugold Beginnings goals, objectives and programming, go to the Blugold Beginnings Website. |
