Thirteen students from area high schools have received the First Generation Scholarship Award for the Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 semesters at Arapahoe Community College. The scholarships assist students who are first in their family to attend college but have the commitment and motivation to pursue a degree or certificate.

ACC is committed to the success of first generation college students, said Dustin Leffingwell, ACC high school recruiting specialist. "If you have the commitment and motivation to pursue a degree or certificate, ACC will pay your tuition for up to two years and provide you with financial, academic and social support," Leffingwell said. "If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can enjoy the lifelong benefits of this special scholarship opportunity. Imagine your possibilities as a college graduate! ACC will help you realize your dreams and increase your lifetime earnings potential with a college degree."

To be eligible for the First Generation Scholarship, neither of the student's parents can have a bachelor's degree. Students must be a recent high school graduate or GED recipient with a minimum 2.25 cumulative grade-point average and minimum ACT, SAT or ACC Placement Test scores. Students must be Colorado residents and enrolled in ACC for the first time. Applicants must write a brief essay on what it would mean to be the first in their families to attend and graduate from college. Students also must provide a high school transcript and a recommendation from a counselor, teacher, professional or community member.

The First Generation Scholarship provides up to $800 per semester for each recipient enrolled in at least 12 hours. Recipients must maintain a 2.0-grade-point average and complete all coursework with a "C" or better for the scholarship to continue from semester to semester. Renewal will be automatic for qualified recipients. To enhance their success, scholarship recipients must enroll in an academic support class, attend a special orientation and participate in mentoring events and academic advising.

The students and the high schools from which they graduated follow.

Charisse Castinado, Heritage High School
Gabrielle Garcia, Colorado's Finest Alternative High School
Brad Lincoln, Columbine High School
Stephanie Maraggos, Englewood High School
Rachel Meyer, Chatfield Senior High School
Kelly Phillips, Littleton Options High School
Tiffany Schwartz, Heritage High School
Karisah Shannon, Front Range High School
Michael Sotelo, Gateway High School
Crystal Tanuz, Douglas County High School
Esperanza Trujillo, Englewood High School
Stephanie Wallace, Colorado's Finest Alternative High School
Ruomeng Yan, Littleton High School.

For further information and for the complete list of eligibility requirements, contact Dustin Leffingwell by telephone at 303-797-5908 or by e-mail at dustin.leffingwell@arapahoe.edu.