The Lenape Regional Foundation will fund the scholarships to ease the financial need of some LRHSD students enrolled in the CAP Program.
A new scholarship from the Lenape Regional Foundation now will make it possible for more Lenape Regional High School District students to earn college credits while still in high school. The Foundation announced the College Acceleration Program Scholarship at the LRHSD Board of Education meeting on Oct. 19.
A partnership among LRHSD, Rowan College of Burlington County and Rowan University, CAP offers students taking select courses an opportunity to earn both high school and college credit. The scholarship will be offered to high achieving students who are enrolled in CAP courses, but may not be taking full advantage of the program to earn up to 3 credits per course.
“There were a number of students who qualified for CAP credit and have not applied to receive the college credit for the course work they successfully completed,” said Carol Birnbohm, Ed.D. “The Foundation’s CAP Scholarship will help make the dream of college, that second graduation, a reality for more Lenape Regional High School students.”
Birnbohm said the Lenape Regional Foundation stepped up to fund the scholarships after the district informed them of the financial need of some LRHSD students enrolled in the CAP Program.
“It’s our privilege to once again partner with the Lenape Regional High School District to improve the educational opportunities and future for more of our communities’ outstanding students. The Foundation’s efforts reflect the overarching commitment of the district to provide every student with nearly limitless opportunities to reach their full potential,” Foundation president Ed O’Malley said.
According to Birnbohm, CAP scholarships are available to those students who qualify for the federal free and/or reduced lunch program and currently are enrolled in at least one CAP eligible course. Members of the LRHSD staff, who also are approved as RCBC adjunct professors, teach these courses in their respective high schools during the regular school day.
“We have found that starting the process of earning college credits in high school often is a catalyst for students to continue their college pursuit after their high school graduation,” explained Birnbohm. “This also is in line with our two-graduation initiative for our students: the first graduation from high school, and the second from a college or university.”
According to O’Malley, the Lenape Foundation has provided funds in the past to engage guest speakers who motivate and provide professional development for staff and students. This included, most recently, Chris Herren, who educated students, staff and community members on the importance of being free from substance abuse.
Members of the community who would like to help students participate in the CAP program can make donations by sending a check to the Lenape Regional Foundation, Inc., c/o LRHSD, K. Kiki Konstantinos Administration & Staff Development Building, 93 Willow Grove Road, Shamong, N.J. 08088.
