Jamia Allen named National Scholar

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Elbert County Comprehensive High School senior Jamia Allen is one of 105 students across the nation to be named a Horatio Alger National Scholar, the organization announced Aug. 15.

Allen was part of the association’s inaugural class of juniors to be selected to the program during the 2021-2022 school year.

As a scholar, Allen will receive a $25,000 scholarship along with access to services throughout her current senior year and future college years including financial aid counseling, college selection advising, online college success seminars and 24/7 mental health support.

The association also provides emergency funding for those experiencing food insecurity, homelessness and medical emergencies.

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of remarkable individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education.

The association’s scholarship program was established in 1984.

In 2021, the Association announced a restructuring of its scholarship programs to award students one year earlier in support of early intervention by providing resources throughout the college selection and application process.

“As college enrollment continues to decline, we are more committed than ever to determining the factors preventing students from pursuing their educational dreams,” James F. Dicke II, chairman of the Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient, said. “We understand cost plays a critical role in a student’s decision to pursue a college degree, and no two students experience the same life circumstances. By reaching them earlier and providing personalized resources extending beyond financial support, our goal is to provide students with the information and counsel needed to make the best decision for them – one that will set them up for long-term success while minimizing the burden of student loan debt.”

The Horatio Alger Association was founded in 1947 to dispel the mounting belief among young people that the American Dream was no longer attainable. In the 38 years since its scholarship programs were established, the Association has become the largest privately funded, need-based scholarship provider in the United States and Canada, awarding a total of $253 million in scholarships to more than 35,000 students.

“For nearly four decades, we have witnessed each class of outstanding Scholars pursue their own unique educational goals and career aspirations,” Terrence J. Giroux, executive director of the association, said. “Much of what they’ve achieved is made possible through the free enterprise system and the continued strength of the American Dream – defined as freedom, mutual respect and equality of opportunity. This is the backbone of our mission, and we look forward to witnessing the tremendous impact our scholarships will have on these students as they complete their high school education.”