Paul Smith’s College today announced the launch of the Summit Scholars program, a scholarship initiative aimed at supporting high school graduates within the Adirondack Park.
Beginning in fall 2025, 50 Summit Scholars scholarships will be made available to deserving students. Through generous donations to Paul Smith’s College, the Summit Scholars program will increase access to higher education for Adirondack residents who aspire to earn a four-year degree.
College attainment may seem out of reach for some Adirondack families. In fact, the college-going rate for high school graduates in the Adirondack Park counties is significantly lower than the state average, with some counties seeing rates as low as 50%. According to data from the New York State Education Department, the college enrollment rate for high school graduates in Franklin County is only 44%, significantly below the state average. This scholarship program is designed to address this gap and enhance educational attainment in the region, ultimately, contributing to a stronger local economy.
Starting in fall 2024, the Summit Scholars program offered 10 scholarships worth $10,000 to eligible students. The goal of this scholarship is to:
· Drive increased retention of the region’s youth by equipping them with ready skills, education and leadership
· Foster the region’s future innovators, entrepreneurs, stewards and engaged citizens
· Create a pathway for greater economic well-being for succeeding generations
With Summit Scholars, a high-need student who benefits from TAP and Pell Grants may be eligible for full tuition assistance of $10,000, with Paul Smith’s College meeting the gap with its own Summit Grant. This means students contribute as little as $2,500 per year, enabling them to graduate without student loans.
A select list of high schools within the Adirondack Park have been identified as eligible to nominate a Summit Scholar for the fall 2025 class. Paul Smith’s College hosted an event announcing which schools will get a Summit Scholar on October 28, 2024, at the school’s library.
“We are deeply grateful to our donors for their vision and generosity,” said Dan Kelting, president of Paul Smith’s College. “This scholarship will make a significant difference in the lives of our students and the future of our region.”
Summit Scholarships
