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Newark's college access program was founded by the vision and generosity of Newark High School alumni. With help from the community, it serves Newark High School students, remains anchored in the community, and is its vision for the future.

It's a vision that started in 1988 with one man, Louis A. Mitchell (Newark High School Class of '53). Mitchell saw the success of Columbus City Schools' I KNOW I CAN college access program, and wanted Newark students to have the same opportunities. With matching funds from County Savings Bank, Mitchell challenged alumni to contribute money for scholarships. They responded generously, giving $125,000 that very first year. With matching money from the bank, an endowment fund was set up in 1991, and under the direction and guidance of Jane McConnell, the vision of college access came into focus.

What has that vision meant? Everything.

"A CALL TO COLLEGE is the best thing that has ever happened to us as parents and to our children," said one parent.

"Without scholarship programs like yours, it would be virtually impossible for my daughter to live her dream of going to college," said another parent.

In sixteen years, A CALL TO COLLEGE has awarded last-dollar grants to 2,045 students. The program has advised 4,743 students, helping them locate additional funding sources and navigate the maze of paperwork, working with them through federal and college financial aid applications, career choices and colleges, and holding their hands through the stressful process of comparing college award letters.

"All of this has been accomplished through the enormous dedication of hundreds of volunteers," said Diane DeLawder, executive director. "A CALL TO COLLEGE has just three employees and they are part-time workers. This is a community program, a program for the students of Newark High School. The community has poured its heart and soul into the program, and the community will reap the rewards."

More than 9,700 volunteer hours have been logged over the past sixteen years. Volunteers counsel juniors and seniors one-on-one; they lead financial aid workshops during evening hours; they work with Ohio State University-Newark to arrange campus tours; take juniors to college fairs and assist with ACT Test preparation and testing: they raise money to keep the vision alive and thriving.

"What a fantastic legacy Newark is building," DeLawder said. "It's a legacy of growth and opportunity, of hope and success."

It is a legacy that continues to grow with each graduating class. And it is not lost on youth.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the financial aid that you have so generously given to me," one student recently said. "It is wonderful that your organization recognizes the importance of a college education and is actively fighting rising costs. I hope that by pursing a career in education, I can return what you have given me in the future."

For more information on A CALL TO COLLEGE, write to:

Ms. Diane DeLawder
Executive Director
A CALL TO COLLEGE
C/o Newark High School
314 Granville Street
Newark, OH 43055

College Access Program Map