(Written by Community Foundation of Monroe County)

The Community Foundation of Monroe County is pleased to announce that through the generous support of “The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation” they have awarded grants to six area high schools to assist in building a college-going culture and improve college enrollment outcomes. 

Of the applications received the following high schools were awarded $5,000 each:  Airport Community School, Jefferson School, Mason Consolidated School, Monroe HighcSchool, Ida Public School, and Whiteford Agricultural School.   The funds will be used to enhance the Monroe College Access Network initiative whose mission is to increase the post secondary educational achievement of Monroe County graduates to 60% by 2025.  It is our vision that by 2025 Monroe County Schools will provide comprehensive college access activities that create a college going culture. 

Each school will:

• Establish a Postsecondary Advisory Council (PAC), a team of dedicated professionals to lead the school’s strategy to improve and monitor their baseline data.
• Participate is a triad of College Access events: College Application Week, College Cash Campaign and College Decision Day. 
• Post secondary asset mapping – research based survey to set up tools to help schools determine what is needed for their school.

“We are so grateful for this opportunity from the “Ralph Wilson Jr. Foundation” to be able to enhance this important project that will help students and families break down barriers to succeed with post secondary education“ ,says Kathleen Russeau, executive director. 

The Community Foundation has over 38 years experience of improving the conditions for people in the county through its charitable and philanthropic work.  Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Monroe County.