During his previous tenure at Rutgers University, JMU President Jonathan R. Alger helped found a college-readiness program for underprivileged students in the local community who might otherwise not dare to dream of continuing their education beyond high school. In 2014, he set out to launch a similar program at JMU.
From the outset, JMU worked with administrators, teachers and guidance counselors in neighboring school districts to identify potential participants. The university would provide programming and support for these students and their families beginning in eighth grade and continuing throughout high school. If they completed the program and were accepted to JMU, a full-tuition scholarship would be waiting for them.
Five years later, that vision has become a reality.
Twenty-six of the 32 members of the first graduating class of Valley Scholars are now JMU freshmen. The remaining scholars are continuing their education at other colleges and universities in Virginia.
Overcoming challenges
The journey was not always easy.
Along with their normal coursework and program requirements, some scholars had to deal with family issues. Others had health problems.
But resources and support are integral to Valley Scholars. It’s why, in addition to academic coaches and mentors, the program staff includes a dedicated team of social workers.
“If there’s one thing this first group [of scholars] has taught me,” said program director Shaun Mooney, “it’s that if you really want to change people’s lives, it has to be a long-term investment.”
Part of that investment involves educating and empowering family members to help their children succeed in school and achieve their dream of going to college.
“It’s been amazing,” said Toni Custer, whose son, Timothy, is now a freshman at JMU. “He and I have done a lot together in the program … which is great. And it’s shown the whole family what’s possible. For his younger siblings, it gives them someone to look up to.”
Future growth
The program continues to grow. At the start of the 2019-20 school year, Valley Scholars boasted 196 students at 25 area schools.
At the senior celebration in May, graduate Noah Buracker thanked program officials and donors in attendance for their investment.
“Let me tell you, we will pay you back,” Buracker said. “I know for a fact that we’re going to step out into the world and do great things because you allowed us to do that.”
