Increased access to college as students celebrate commitments

Amy Avery
·2 min read
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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — About 2,000 area high school seniors from six different school divisions celebrated their commitment to higher education Tuesday at Chartway Arena in Norfolk.

The Access College Foundation, which hosted College Commitment Day, told 10 On Your Side this was their biggest crowd yet as students celebrated what’s next.

“This is just the next step in their process of doing great things so college is attainable and college can be affordable, and that’s what we do here at Access,” said Access College Community Foundation Program Specialist Arthur Kelly.

Access College Foundation handed out more than $54,000 worth of scholarships to 18 different students.

For Amari Edwards, who came out with one of those big checks, it still hasn’t set in.

“It was just just life changing,” Edwards said. “It didn’t feel real, it felt like a dream. I loved it so much.”

Access helps students navigate the applications and applying for financial assistance while showing them that they can go to college regardless of their background.

Some 250 colleges were represented at the event, and students say they were happy to see a lot of their peers committing to continuing their education next year.

“I think its important to go to college because it sets up a great foundation and build steps for your career, and just being set for life in general,” said Kings Fork High School senior Stephen Parker.

“I’m surprised there were so many people out today,” said Nansemond River High School senior Mekhia Williams. “I’m happy that people have decided that this is the step for them and I’m excited to see them further their education and take that next step.”

And as college continues to get more expensive, the scholarships are increasing in value thanks to a lot of generous community supporters who want to make college a reality for so many students.

“We are giving away almost $25,000 to one student, we have a $30,000 scholarship as well,” said Heather Foxwell, Access vice president for finance and administration, “so we’ve increased our scholarships to help meet that cost.”

In total, Access College Foundation will be giving $1.2 million in scholarships this year.

They have an awards dinner in June, so this was just the appetizer, if you will, of what’s to come for students graduating this year.

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