THE RACE FOR EDUCATION KICKS OFF 10TH ANNIVERSAY WITH $525,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

Thursday, February 09, 2012

The Race For Education celebrates its tenth anniversary of helping students reach the finish line on the path to higher education by awarding at least $525,000 in college scholarships. This is in addition to $3.5 million dollars awarded to over 375 students since the organization’s inception.  Of the 2012 awards, approximately $100,000 will be allocated to Education majors participating in the Starting Gate Teaching Interns Program, $150,000 for Veterinary students and $275,000 for various Equine and Agriculture related scholarships.

“2011 was our best year ever and I am proud to announce our largest scholarship allocation to date” says Elisabeth Jensen. The Race For Education’s President and Executive Director. “With the escalating costs of tuition, this will be a big help to students and families in times of economic hardship”.

In 2005 with an Assets For Independence grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, The Race For Education established a Financial Literacy Program to help students who, based on their background, would probably otherwise receive no financial guidance.  In 2008 this program was recognized by The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI), along with the President’s Council on Financial Literacy.

In 2009 the Starting Gate was introduced in New York. This valuable program assists younger, adolescent age students in middle school in preparing for college through weekly and monthly programs. Additional outcomes of this program are improved GPA’s better attendance in school and a reduced likelihood of involvement in negative pastimes.  The program has been running successfully in New York for two years and was launched in Kentucky in Fayette and Bourbon County for the 2011 – 2012 school year. 

Two new board members were added at the January board meeting; Bryan Pettigrew, the Senior Vice President of NTRA Advantage states, “I’m honored to have been asked to serve the Race For Education. I’ve seen the positive effects that RFE has had on people’s lives in the horse industry and look forward to making a difference.”  Beverly Jochynek, the Executive Vice President of Client Management, XpressBet also joined the board.  XpressBet sponsors an annual scholarship with the organization. “I have enjoyed being involved in the selection process and am thrilled to be on the board for the RFE charity with its rich history in assisting young people with their education”. David Ingordo accepted another term as Chairman and Chris Young will continue to serve as Treasurer.