Donation of nearly $50,000 to Summer Academic Challenge Program Benefits Area Students
August 9, 2006

Tacoma, Wash. – University of Puget Sound received a grant of $47,970 from College Spark of Washington, formerly known as the Education Assistance Foundation. The grant will provide operating support for the Summer Academic Challenge program during 2006-07.

Summer Academic Challenge is a component of the year-round Access Programs offered by University of Puget Sound in partnership with the Tacoma School District. Puget Sound’s Summer Academic Challenge Program is a four-week summer session. Every day, instructors focus on coursework in mathematics, science, writing, and public speaking to assist students with the development of their academic preparation for college. 

Funded in part through community contributions and corporate support, the program brings academically promising, yet often underrepresented minority students in grades seven through 12 closer to the college experience.

“We’re happy to be involved in such a worthwhile effort,” said Diane Gillian, a program officer with College Spark. “It was a natural partnership because the Summer Academic Challenge program mirrors our own goal of inspiring college aspiration and fueling student success.”

University of Puget Sound is a 2,600-student, independent, nationally ranked liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington. Additional information on the Summer Academic Challenge program is available at www.ups.edu/x4169.xml. 

About College Spark Washington:

The mission of College Spark Washington is to fund programs that help low-income students become college-ready and earn their degrees. College Spark makes grants to organizations and institutions throughout Washington state that are helping low-income students improve their academic achievement, prepare for college life, and graduate from college. Formerly known as Education Assistance Foundation, College Spark is a Washington nonprofit foundation. For more information about College Spark, please visit www.collegespark.org.

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