06/15/2005
CONTACT: Jim Jennings, (240) 645-4099
Graduating High School Seniors Each Receive $1,000 for College
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation today announced the Maryland recipients of the third annual NFIB Free Enterprise Scholars Awards, a scholarship program to set future small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship. The NFIB Free Enterprise Scholars will attend the university, college, community college or vocational/technical institute of their choice with $1,000 in tuition assistance from the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation.
The program made its debut in 2003 when it awarded a total of 110 scholarships nationwide, rising to 221 awardees in 2004. This year the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation is awarding a total of 381 scholarships, thanks to additional financial support from numerous small-business leaders and corporate and foundation supporters. The major corporate sponsor is Visa USA, which donated $100,000 to the national program for scholarships across the country. The program encourages young people to consider a career in small business and pursue their own entrepreneurial endeavors.
"We're very excited that we can provide financial assistance to so many more students this year, thanks to sponsors and donors who recognize the vital role future small-business owners will play in our neighborhoods, our towns and our economy," said Don V. Cogman, chair, NFIB Education Foundation Board of Directors. "We were gratified with all the outstanding applicants, a number of whom already started and operate their own business. NFIB congratulates the winners for their fine achievements and hopes this award helps them along their path as successful young entrepreneurs."
NFIB Free Enterprise Scholars:
- Perryville High School senior Nichole Bryant of Perryville, nominated by NFIB member Chris Cavey.
- St. John's At Prospect Hall School senior James Duggan of Jefferson, nominated by NFIB member Alan Gredone.
- Centennial High School senior Sandhya Subramanian of Ellicott City, nominated by NFIB member John Slingluff.
NFIB/Visa USA Free Enterprise Scholars:
- Springbrook High School senior Moses Esema of Gaithersburg, nominated by NFIB member Charles Poll.
- Thomas S. Wootton High School senior Michael Kurlancheek of North Potomac, nominated by NFIB member Joseph Bohm.
- Largo High School senior Michael White of Upper Marlboro, nominated by NFIB member John Slingluff.
To earn a scholarship, students were asked to demonstrate their entrepreneurial achievement by answering a short, personal question defining their efforts. Each applicant also composed an essay about the importance of free enterprise. Standardized test scores, GPA and class rank were also considered. NFIB members around the country must nominate all applicants for the Free Enterprise Scholars Award.
"Small business is the bedrock of our nation's economy and our communities, and this award is designed to encourage the next generation of small-business owners, while saluting those who are already creating jobs," said NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation Executive Director Hank Kopcial. "Hundreds of students have already benefited from the Free Enterprise Scholars Award program, and this year is the most successful yet."
"We have increased the number of $1,000 scholarships awarded, added four $5,000 scholarships and a top $10,000 scholarship," concluded Kopcial. "This year, scholarships will reach more future entrepreneurs than ever before."
