In this issue:

* We are here for you!
* The Crosby Invitational
* Crosby Adapts
* Park Scholar Winner
* STEM Opportunities
* Whatever It Takes Fund
* Funder Focus: PwC
The
Crosby
Connection
SPRING 2020
We are here for you!
Dear Friends,

We hope that you and your families are well.  Just a few weeks ago, we were hosting pizza parties, planning our  Senior Gala , scheduling our college tours and looking forward to our career day programs. Today, all of those activities look much different. We are hosting webinars and Zoom meetings, sending text messages to our high school students, encouraging  virtual volunteering  for our middle school students (and those high school students still working on their volunteer hours) and planning a  Senior Celebration  now that our April 30th event has been postponed. We are continuing to review  scholarship applications  while helping to answer critical questions for our junior and senior Crosby Scholars. We are working diligently to raise funds for our  Last Dollar Grant  awards as we know that many families may have to rethink how they will pay for college. 

Students are adjusting to a new schedule.  While students are anxious, they are optimistic. They want to be prepared. They want guidance, advice, structure and normalcy. They are our today and our tomorrow . For many of our seniors, Crosby Scholars has been a way of life since sixth grade. We are a trusted source to help in a time of uncertainty. Crosby Scholars, please know that we continue to work on your behalf.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, board, volunteers, supporters and partners who help to make Crosby Scholars possible. Your commitment is invaluable especially at this crucial time.

Stay healthy and know that you are in our thoughts.
Mona W. Lovett, President & CEO
Listen  here .
Crosby Scholars: On the Path to College

Congratulations to Crosby Scholar Sami Atassi who was awarded the Park Scholarship and has enrolled at N.C. State University!

Six years ago, Sami and his family moved to the United States from war-torn Syria with only the bags they could carry on the airplane. He spoke little English when he enrolled as a 6 th -grader at Clemmons Middle School, and he took ESL classes for three years. He will graduate this year from Early College with his Associate’s Degree.

“My parents have been vital throughout this process by motivating and believing in me,” Sami said. “My teachers believed in me and supported me from the beginning. This also would not have been possible without them.”

Sami especially appreciated Crosby Scholars providing him mock interviews.

“Applying for the Park was a rigorous and stressful application process,” Sami said. “There were two major interviews. For each, I reached out to Crosby Scholars to have a mock interview. These were crucial in helping receive the scholarship.”

He also requested Crosby Scholars to review his essays, and his Near Peer Advisor guided him through the application process. Sami encourages other students to utilize Crosby Scholars resources.

“I would tell them to not just worry about getting the required hours turned in, but to go a step beyond that: check the portal and take it seriously,” he said. “I think Crosby Scholars ignited a sense of service in me.”

Sami plans to pursue a career in medicine, and he looks forward to the opportunity to explore a variety of science fields when he majors in Life Sciences at NCSU.

He hopes his story inspires other students.

“I remember going on the Park website months ago, reading about the Park Scholars,” Sami said. “That seemed extremely far-fetched—I couldn’t imagine becoming a Park Scholar. The biggest thing I’ve taken away is to never think something is not possible .” 
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Did you know?

Careers in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) have hourly rates that are high enough to meet basic needs with only one job. - -The Women’s Fund study, “Through a Gender Lens: The Economic Security of Women and Girls in 2015."

Crosby Scholars introduces students to STEM careers.

Participants in African American Males Pursuing Educational Dreams (AAMPED) attend a science camp at Forsyth Tech.
Girls in The SHE Project: SHOW, HELP, EMPLOY conduct science experiments. SHE began with funding from The Women's Fund and continues with support from Duke Energy, EcoLab and Novant Health, and we are grateful!

"I wanted to first thank you and the organization for selecting me to be a part of this program. I have gained insight on finances, enjoyed professional guest speakers, and have received career exploration. I have also been able to explore local and state colleges. I really enjoyed the college tours, even the virtual tour from North Carolina A&T. One of my favorites was the NC State tour. Here, I was able to learn about textile technology, walk through their J.B. Hunt library, and toured the state-of-the-art campus. Having the opportunity to tour the college has proven to be beneficial because you are learning about the student life, academics and programs being offered. As a rising 10th grader, I know that the time is getting near for me to start considering colleges that focus on areas of my interest ,so I look forward to many more learning opportunities with the S.H.E program.    Thank you once again."

--  Alayna Elliott, Atkins High School, participant in The SHE Project: SHOW, HELP, EMPLOY
In Memoriam and With Gratitude

The late Elizabeth “B.J.” McConnell has been referred to as the grandmother of Crosby Scholars .

M cConnell and Nancy Young identified two goals 28 years ago that remain the foundation of Crosby Scholars today.

McConnell and her husband created the “WHATEVER IT TAKES” fund, which provides grants of up to $50 for up to four years for unexpected expenses for Crosby college students, like broken glasses, violin strings, an extra book or a bus ride home over break.
“If you were an indigent college student on a full scholarship, that small grant could be the difference in staying or dropping out.”
Read more about McConnell here .
Funder Focus: We appreciate all the community support we receive!
PwC Charitable Foundation