By Peter J. Droege

Daniels Fund

Amy Younger of Adams City High School in Commerce City is one of 268 high school seniors from across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming who have been named a 2008 Daniels Scholar.

According to Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund, Younger along with the other Daniels Scholars, were chosen for the scholarship because they demonstrated strong character and a determination to succeed in life. They will receive funding to attend the college or university of their choice, Childears added.

Younger will attend the University of Denver and major in political science.

"These are promising and motivated students determined to succeed in life, but lacking the financial resources to continue their education," explained Childears. "They are outstanding young people and the Daniels Fund is proud to partner with them as they fulfill their dreams of attending college," she said.

With the announcement, the Daniels Fund will surpass 1,250 scholarships awarded since the program was launched in the year 2000. The group of new Daniels Scholars includes 187 from Colorado.

To identify candidates for the scholarship, the Daniels Fund partners with youth serving agencies and college prep providers that nominate candidates for the Daniels Scholarship. After being nominated, candidates take part in an interview and selection process in the communities in which they live.

In establishing the Daniels Scholarship program, cable pioneer Bill Daniels was seeking promising students with financial need that demonstrate strength of character, a well-rounded personality and a record of accomplishment in giving back to the community.

The Daniels Scholarship is not "full ride," but is supplemental to all other financial resources, including an estimated family contribution, available to the student. By requiring students to apply for other readily available financial resources such as Pell Grants, the Daniels Fund is able to provide even more scholarships to deserving young people seeking to attend college.

After other financial aid resources have been applied, the Daniels Scholarship covers all required tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies and a variety of other miscellaneous expenses. Students also receive a laptop computer and a printer.

Bill Daniels, a cable pioneer known for his kindness and generosity to those in need, established the Daniels Fund in 1997 to provide grants and scholarships in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. When he died in the year 2000, his estate transferred to the Fund, making it one of the largest foundations in the Rocky Mountain West.

Visit www.danielsfund.org for more information.