College Parents of America Launches New Scholarship Program

Arlington, VA - College Parents of America, the nation's only membership organization for current and future college parents, today announced the launch of the Doug and Grace Laughlin Family Scholarships, a new dual scholarship program named in honor of the organization's founder and intended to assist first-generation college students and exceptional student leaders to meet the rising cost of a college education.

The announcement was made by Bob Soza, chairman, College Parents of America, and retired senior associate vice president, and Dean of Students at Arizona State University.

"There is no better way to honor College Parents of America's founder, Doug Laughlin, and his wife, Grace, than by creating a college scholarship program in their honor," said Soza. "After looking closely at what types of scholarship we should offer, we decided to take a dual approach, with five scholarships going to first-generation college-bound students and five going to continuing undergraduate students, who have proven themselves to be exceptional leaders inside or outside of the classroom."

Award criteria for a Doug and Grace Laughlin First Generation College-Bound Scholarship, a student must be:

• a first-time freshman who is part of the first generation in his/her family to attend college;
• pursuing his/her degree at an accredited post-secondary institution; and
• defined as a full-time student at the college where he/she is enrolled.

Applicants for the Doug and Grace Laughlin Exceptional Leader Scholarships must be:

• if a first time freshman applicant, an “honor student” as defined by the high school from which he/she graduated; or
• if a college upperclassman, a holder of at least a 3.00 grade point average at the institution most recently attended;
• pursuing his/her first undergraduate degree at an accredited post-secondary institution;
• defined as a full-time student at the college where he/she is enrolled; and
• demonstrating outstanding leadership skills inside or outside the classroom.

To be eligible, award recipients must also be registered as a subscriber, affiliate or member of College Parents of America. Membership level is not required and does not influence the selection process.

According to Soza, College Parents of America will award five $1,000 scholarships to first-generation, college freshmen for the 2010/2011 academic year, as well as five $1,000 scholarships to exceptional leaders, no matter what their year in school, for the same upcoming school year. "As College Parents of America continues to grow, so will our scholarship program," said Soza. "Our goal is to empower parents to best support their children on the path to and through college."

The 2010 - 2011 College Parents of America's Scholarship Program will be awarded through out the entire academic year.

College Parents of America:
College Parents of America is the nation's only membership organization of current and future college parents. Founded in 1997, its mission is to assist families with their students successful preparation for, transition to, adjustment in and completion through college. College Parents of America provides members with valuable benefits and advocacy to protect and maximize their family's college investment, as well as information and resources to support their student's achievement. For more information, visit www.collegeparents.org or call 888-761-6702.