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The Sallie Mae Fund expands eligibility for Latino scholarships at Archdiocese of Washington schools

RESTON, Va., March 17, 2006—The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, encourages Latino students to apply now for The Sallie Mae Fund's scholarships to help them attend Archdiocese of Washington Schools for the 2006–2007 year.

Recognizing that many local Latino families seek additional education options, The Fund established this scholarship program in 2005 with a grant of $300,000. Previously open to Latino fifth graders attending public schools in Washington, D.C., the program is now also open to Latino fifth graders attending Maryland public schools. Scholarship awards of up to $3,000 are renewable for two years.

"The Sallie Mae Fund is committed to equalizing educational opportunities for communities with the highest need," said Kathleen deLaski, president of The Sallie Mae Fund. "Our research shows that educational aspirations in the Latino community are very high—this program connects high aspirations with funding to help secure a quality education."

Latino students constitute just seven percent of the student population at the 21 Archdiocese of Washington Catholic elementary schools in the District. The Fund's scholarship program was designed to increase access to high quality education for Latino students. These schools are highly successful—more than 97 percent of Catholic school graduates go on to college.

The Latino public school population in the District has grown by more than 50 percent during the past 15 years, with Latino students now accounting for 10 percent of public school enrollment. The arrival of new immigrants has spurred much of this growth. Nearly three-quarters of Latino students at D.C. public schools have limited English proficiency and, as a group, have not made performance gains during the past five years.

"The Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools are committed to serving all students eligible for the Sallie Mae Fund Scholarships, and we appreciate the generosity and support of the Sallie Mae Fund", said Dr. Patricia Weitzel O'Neill, superintendent of the Catholic Schools.

Applications are now available online at www.salliemaefund.org or by calling Constance Mann with the Archdiocese of Washington at 301-853-5356. The application deadline for the 2006–2007 academic year is April 28, 2006.

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission—to increase access to a post–secondary education for America's students—by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can. For more information visit www.salliemaefund.org.