WHAT: ACCESS College Foundation, which aids public school students with their college admission and financial aid processes in South Hampton Roads and Northampton County, will award 150 local high school graduates with scholarships during its 2019 annual luncheon on June 19th. The total scholarship amount for ACCESS’ 30th graduating class is over $800,000.
Three new named scholarships will be given at this year’s luncheon. Of note is the “Anne B. Shumadine Scholarship,” which was created in memory of ACCESS founding board member Anne Shumadine who passed away in July 2018.
The event’s keynote speaker is Lavell White, an educator, mentor and motivational speaker who has worked in the public school system for more than 20 years. As the son of a member of The Norfolk 17, he understands the value of education and the sacrifices that were made by those who came before him. Lavell graduated from Norfolk’s Booker T. Washington High School where he was an ACCESS Scholar, and later an ACCESS Advisor. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University and Master of Arts degree in psychology and counseling from Regent University.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 19, 2019, 12:00PM – 1:30PM
WHERE: Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
WHO: ACCESS College Foundation leadership and scholarship recipients are available for interviews.
Sponsors for the event include: Virginia 529SM, Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation, Old Dominion University, SunTrust Foundation, Dr. John Edwin Settle, Jr., Chowan University, Norfolk State University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Elizabeth City State University, Radford University, University of Mary Washington, Virginia State University, Longwood University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Wesleyan University.
About ACCESS College Foundation: Founded by local philanthropists Frank Batten, Sr. and Joshua P. Darden, Jr., ACCESS College Foundation provides a path for students who may not have the opportunity to attend and complete college. With offices at 7300 Newport Avenue in Norfolk, ACCESS has leveraged $625-million in financial aid and scholarships, as well as offered guidance and support, to help 60,000 students achieve their higher education goals.
