Newark SEEDS Students Land $5.5 Million In Financial Aid

New Jersey SEEDS – a Newark-based educational nonprofit – celebrated the graduation of more than 100 students from its 14-month programs in early August.

The 108 graduates are enrolled in SEEDS’ Young Scholars and Scholars Programs and include sixth, seventh and ninth grade students.

According to a release, during two summers and Saturdays during the school year, the students participated in academic classes, developing proficiency in mathematics and English, honed their test taking skills and completed applications to selective middle and high schools across the country.

Ninety-seven percent of Scholars and Young Scholars in the Class of 2015 were placed in selective schools with substantial financial aid packages, the release stated.

“In total, the Class of 2015 submitted more than 1,000 applications to schools in New Jersey and across the country,” President Ronni Denes said. “Our students received acceptances from 96 institutions in 18 states that offered them more than $5.5 million in financial aid.”

Several students were honored for their academic and leadership accomplishments while enrolled in SEEDS:

• Gillian Allou was named the Amy Ziebarth Scholar for her passion for social justice and strong commitment to SEEDS while enrolled in the Scholars Program.
• Stewart DeLeon was named the Dwight L. Wilson Scholar for his personal and work ethics, honesty, integrity, and love of education while enrolled in the New Jersey SEEDS Scholars Program.
• Syeda Islam, Boluwatife Oshuntolu and Stantiago Vargas were the recipients of Cavalier Scholarships, which help to underwrite tuition at independent schools for high-achieving students. The scholarships are generously awarded by the F&P DeRosa Memorial Fund.
• Qingying Li was named the Blair MacInnes Scholar for her outstanding academic achievement and dedication to education while enrolled in the New Jersey SEEDS Scholars Program.
• Leah Paul was named the Alumni Scholar for representing the ideal SEEDS graduate while enrolled in one of SEEDS’ Scholars Programs.
• Kaylynn Wilson was named the Edward and Barbara Becker Scholar for her outstanding academic achievement and exemplary work while in the Young Scholars Program.
• Christy Zheng was presented with the Dean’s Award for her overall accomplishments, strong leadership, citizenship, exceptional academic qualities and great personality while enrolled in the Scholars Program.

“These students have shown us that they have the drive and dedication to be successful on whatever paths they choose,” said Imani Gilliam, Dean of Scholars Programs.