Students Receive President Challenge Scholarship

ACCORD – The Rondout Valley Central District currently has 21 students participating in SUNY Ulster’s prestigious President’s Challenge Scholarship program, which is supported by the SUNY Ulster Foundation. Upon graduation, these students will have the valuable opportunity to pursue a two-year college education at SUNY Ulster without incurring tuition costs.

Every year, Grade 8 students are encouraged to apply to the program, which is open to first-generation, college-bound students. Current Rondout Valley High School (RVHS) Grade 9 students Taraji St. Fleur, Jasmin Smith, Brooke Baul, Alexis Dougherty, and Rebecca Carroll are the newest additions to the program. The awardees must continue to do well academically and to graduate from high school in order to have their first two years of college at SUNY Ulster paid for through donations from community sponsors.

Participants receive ongoing support, benefiting from additional guidance and mentoring during their high school career to help ensure that they remain on the path to achieving their future aspirations. They also participate in yearly field trips to the college.

To be considered eligible for the program, students must have a minimum 80 percent cumulative grade point average (GPA), including at least a 75 percent cumulative GPA in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, through the third marking period. In addition, they must have had an 85 percent or higher attendance rate and minimal disciplinary infractions.

RVHS Principal Jessica Torok expressed her gratitude to SUNY Ulster, the SUNY Ulster Foundation, and community sponsors, acknowledging their collective efforts in bringing the program to fruition for Rondout Valley students. “This program immerses our students in experiences that enhance college readiness, communication skills, and career exploration while also providing them with invaluable mentorships,” she said.