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| SPRINGFIELD Residents of Springfield's Upper Hill neighborhood will find college a little more affordable now, thanks to a new scholarship being offered by American International College. The scholarship, part of AICs Community Engagement Initiative, was announced at a press conference on Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. in the International Room of Lee Hall. AIC President Vince Maniaci was joined by Upper Hill Neighborhood Council President Adrienne Osborn at the press conference, where he explained the details. Maniaci said a $40,000 four-year scholarship would be offered to any qualified home owner and their dependents in Upper Hill, as early as the January beginning of classes. President Vincent Maniaci said by offering scholarships to area students, AIC is making college possible to those who might not normally be able to afford a private college education. Maniaci said, "We want to embrace our neighborhoods and the City of Springfield with the open arms of service and support." With $10,000 a year from AIC and need-based state and federal funding, neighborhood students, living at home could attend the College virtually tuition-free. Roland E. Holstead, vice president for educational enterprise at AIC, said the Bay Area Neighborhood had been selected by American International College for the first phase of the program, which commenced for the 2006-2007 academic year and it will continue. The program evaluation indicates success with 10 Bay area students accepted into bachelor programs. "We are very pleased that the College seized an opportunity which has resulted in extending admission to ten Bay neighborhood students. Holstead said, the extended scholarship program, one of many community initiatives the college has taken, is open to the Upper Hill home owners as promised. "We promised the people of Upper Hill that the scholarship would be extended and we have made good on that promise." The College, which is located in both the Bay and Upper Hill neighborhoods, will offer scholarships of $10,000 to students whose families own homes and reside in either Bay Area or Upper Hill census tracks. The Upper Hill tract as defined by the By-Laws of the Upper Hill Area Neighborhood Council and the United States Bureau of the Census is bounded by the railroad tracts east of Mason Square; State Street to Benton Street and Wilbraham Road to Alden Street. Applicants must be able to meet the admission's criteria of the College, complete a Financial Aid Form, and intend to attend as full time day students. |