2020 the Lost Year: Scott graduates’ free college came virtually freshman year
The 2020 pandemic could impact future scholarships for high school seniors.
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - The Class of 2020 at Scott High School was given an opportunity of a lifetime: to go to college free of charge thanks to Hope Toledo.
Many of those students are settling into virtual learning in colleges across the region. Out of 108 seniors at Scott, 80 students took Pete Kadens up on his offer, along with 23 parents.
“They are experiencing the joys of being in a higher ed space, but they are also experiencing tough times,” explains Hope Toledo President John Jones.
Freshman year can be tough to navigate without the layer of a pandemic.
“A lot of our young people are dealing with having that loneliness, feeling of being on campus, and the room is just them, and having someone they can talk to is crucial and critical,” Jones says.
While 2020 adjusts, the class of 2021 anticipates. Will there be another round of scholarships?
“Our hope is that we can support as many students through the process as we can,” Jones says. “Hope Toledo was built to support students in Toledo Public and Washington Local in higher education. To remove boundaries to access.”
The pandemic has impacted giving, which helps send students to school.
“Whatever we come up with, it’s going to have to happen sooner than later,” Jones said. “We are already in the mix of the next college season, so we are working through that.”
The mission of Hope Toledo is to support Toledo kids from birth to career. If you would like to support the cause you can visit their website.
Copyright 2021 WTVG. All rights reserved.
