MADISON —Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation has awarded a record $8.8 million to colleges and community-based organizations in four states that proposed effective solutions to the persistent problem of low college graduation rates for disadvantaged students. More than $900,000 of the total Great Lakes commitment will directly benefit Madison and Verona students, targeting those from low-income households, students of color, and students who are first in their families to attend college.
Boys & Girls Club of Dane County was the largest recipient, receiving four grants totaling more than $600,000. “Boys & Girls Clubs and our stakeholders are thankful for the investment that Great Lakes is making in the lives of young people who are aspiring to go to college to reach their full potential,” said Michael Johnson, Boys & Girls Club Chief Executive Officer. “They have had an unwavering commitment to deliver results for young people, especially children from challenging circumstances. Over the years Great Lakes has provided advice, financial resources, and internships empowering us to inspire hundreds of young people to matriculate from high school with the aspiration of graduating from college. Without their leadership and support, many of our kids will have missed out on an opportunity to pursue their dreams of graduating from college.”
