Major Grant For Medgar Evers Preparatory High

Preparatory High School Medgar Evers College has received a $450,000 grant from the New York State Department of Education. The three-year, five month grant will fund the Smart Scholars Early College program at Medgar Evers College and Medgar Evers College Preparatory High School (MECPHS). 

"For many students, college does not begin on the first day of college classes," said Medgar's Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Howard C. Johnson. "Their career often begins in high school when they take Advanced Placement courses. Programs like Smart Scholars help students, from traditionally underserved neighborhoods, begin to realize their full academic potential before they come to college. This grant will greatly help us support this important initiative."

The program allows high school students at MECPHS to enroll in Medgar Evers College courses, giving them a head start in their college careers. "This grant will allow us to better prepare the next generation of Central Brooklyn college students," said Medgar Evers College President Dr. William L. Pollard. "Students who come to college with some college-level preparation tend to perform better academically."

MECPHS has been voted as one of the best in Brooklyn by the New York Daily News in both 2007 and 2008. The School's Dual Enrollment program was acknowledged by President Barack Obama in 2009 for its innovative approach to helping students graduate from high school with an associate's degree. MECPHS is also among three high schools named as 2010 College Board Inspiration Award winners for improving their academic environments and helping underserved students achieve equitable access to higher education.

"This collaboration between Medgar Evers College and Medgar Evers College Preparatory School will significantly alter the educational landscape by ushering in a new era of academic excellence for a traditionally underserved community," said Dr. Michael A. Wiltshire, Principal of Medgar Evers College Preparatory School.  "The entire Medgar Evers College Prep School community is extremely grateful to the Administration of Medgar Evers College for its support, encouragement and generosity.  We look forward to continued success and significant accomplishments in this educational journey."

This is the latest in a series of grants received by Medgar Evers College, including five grants from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development totaling $1,838,308 for various youth programs.