Press Release - Three HOPE Toledo Promise Scholars Recognized for Successes
Each Scholar Helps to Strengthen Toledo’s Workforce and Economy
TOLEDO, Ohio, July 11, 2023 — HOPE Toledo is proud to recognize three of its outstanding HOPE Promise Scholars for their exceptional achievements and contributions to their community. These scholars have been recognized for their unique accomplishments, highlighting their diverse talents and skills.
The first of these scholars, Cordale Williams, received his certification from Lincoln Tech in Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Machining & Manufacturing Technology. He also earned the President’s Award for earning a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Cordale has recently accepted a job at Turner Machines. Williams graduated from Jesup W. Scott High School in 2022.
The second HOPE Toledo Scholar is Parent Scholar, Jerrie Conner. She thought the possibility of a college degree had passed her by. She was a single mother supporting five kids and helping care for her granddaughter when the HOPE Toledo Promise program was announced. As the parent of two Jesup W. Scott High School Class of 2021 & 2022 graduates, Conner also received the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Her story is so inspirational, The Kresge Foundation highlighted her and her photography in its recent Annual Report.
The third HOPE Toledo Scholar, Journey Wynn, was selected as the 2023 recipient of the Vrable Healthcare Scholarship presented by the Educational Foundation of the Ohio Health Care Association (EFOHCA). EFOHCA was established in 1989 with the primary mission of fostering careers in long-term care and is supporting Journey in Social Work at Owens Community College. Wynn is a 2021 graduate of Jesup W. Scott High School.
HOPE Toledo Promise is a truly groundbreaking program as it’s the first fully funded, two-generation scholarship program in the United States. This means the high school graduate, as well as one parent or guardian, can attend and graduate from a university, community college, or trade school debt-free. The funding includes tuition, room and board, books, and fees, as well as, wraparound support services and coaching.
This first-of-its-kind model has increased student success rates while providing the opportunity for overall economic mobility for entire families, as evidenced by recent Northwestern University studies. Learn more at www.hope-toledo.org/research.
"We are proud to recognize these three HOPE Toledo Scholars for their achievements," said John C. Jones, CEO & President of HOPE Toledo. "They are a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of the students in our community. When given an opportunity, they consistently succeed and excel. We are honored to support them in their pursuit of higher education and watch them create lasting economic change in our workforce and economy."
HOPE Toledo Promise currently has hundreds of HOPE Toledo Scholars pursuing their dreams and 10 who have already graduated from their programs. HOPE Toledo is working to develop additional opportunities for more Toledo high school graduates to pursue higher education.
For more information about the HOPE Toledo Promise program or to make a donation, please visit our website at hope-toledo.org.
For more information on HOPE Toledo, contact Rev. John C. Jones at john@hope-toledo.org.
