When Erik G., a senior at the School of Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, gathered with classmates Monday for a school assembly, he was totally unaware that he would be surprised with a $40,000 BigFuture Scholarship from the College Board.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must prove they have “big future” plans post-graduation. The more steps students take toward exploring their options and planning ahead, the more likely it is that the College Board will consider them to win the scholarship. Erik hopes to major in business and minor in science so that he can pursue his dream of going to dental school and opening his own practice someday.
“With this scholarship, I won’t have to focus as much on paying my tuition. I won’t have to be working and studying. I can just put all my interest and focus on college,” Erik said.
His parents were also invited to the school to be a part of the special celebration.
“I’m very surprised, happy, and emotional because the truth is I didn’t expect it,” his mother said. “I always told him, ‘Son, it’s important you speak with your counselor because graduation will be here before you know it.’ He would just respond with ‘Yes, Mom. Don’t worry,’ but I didn’t know he was so involved and was taking all this time to fill out the application. It was all so beautiful and a gift from above.”
BigFuture scholarships have helped millions of students personalize their future plans with resources to explore careers, plan for college, and pay for college. Backed by over 100 years of College Board research, BigFuture has the information students need, all in one place.
“When it comes to planning for life after high school, students benefit when discovery is paired with action. It’s why BigFuture Scholarships reward students as they explore colleges and careers that might be right for them,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “And when the steps can be taken by any student, regardless of where they are on their journey, more students can join Erik on the path to a big future.”
