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The Horatio Alger Association Opens Applications for 2010 Scholarships
Association continues to fund more than $6 million in scholarships, despite down economy and spike in college tuition

WASHINGTON, August 3, 2009 -- As college tuition continues to escalate, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. announced today that it has opened the application period for its 2010 national scholarship and state scholarship programs.

The scholarship programs award more than $6 million in need-based college scholarships each year. High school seniors from across the country are encouraged to apply now through October 30, 2009 for the financial assistance that is crucial to many who seek a bachelor’s degree, and ultimately, a brighter future. An online application can be found at http://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships.

“Our scholars face many challenges this year as they seek the funds to attend college, and we are proud to be a unique source of college scholarships in America,” said David L. Sokol, president and chief executive officer of the Horatio Alger Association. “The association continues to offer opportunities in higher education to determined and talented students who have overcome many life challenges.”

States are rapidly increasing tuition rates due to local budget crises. In the last five years, public college tuition has increased 31 percent compared to 14 percent for private colleges. The College Board reports that tuition at public colleges has increased 72 percent in the last decade, and 99 percent at private schools, while household income rose only 31 percent during that time.

Further, college endowments, which often fund scholarships, have fallen 30-40 percent in the past year. As a result, many colleges have fewer scholarship dollars to grant to returning upperclassmen or freshmen. With rising unemployment and one of the worst job markets in decades, jobs are scarce for the 93 percent of Horatio Alger scholars who work part-time or full-time to support themselves during college.

The association has become one of the largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship programs in the country.  Horatio Alger scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity and hardships in their lives while demonstrating strength of character, strong academics, commitment to pursue a college education and desire to contribute to society. 

Students from all 50 states, and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, are encouraged to apply for the Horatio Alger scholarship programs.  In 2010, the association will award approximately 100 scholarship recipients with $20,000 each. The Horatio Alger state scholarship programs are sponsored by Horatio Alger members and friends of the association in select states.  Each state program provides financial assistance ranging from $2,500 to $10,500.

Horatio Alger scholars are provided with numerous resources to ensure a successful college career. Each student receives:

• Financial aid guidance to assist in the selection of, and preparation for, college.
• Access to the association’s Web site, where students can create online profiles, search for fellow scholars, update their personal information, submit disbursement requests and direct questions to the association.
• Access to a toll-free information line, to speak to program coordinators for assistance with questions about their scholarships and other educational programs.

About The Horatio Alger Association

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association offers three annual scholarship programs: the national scholarship program, state scholarship programs and graduate grants. The association awards more than $6 million annually in college scholarships and has given more than $63 million to deserving students since 1984. The association is a 2008-2009 Combined Federal Campaign participant; # 77062.  For more information, visit www.horatioalger.org.

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