People with post- secondary educations have better job opportunities, earn more income over their lifetime, and accumulate skills and knowledge that can never be taken away.

Advisors bring clarity and reassurance, directing and assisting through a complex maze of paperwork.

Our goal is to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity for continuing education after high school, regardless of financial or social circumstances. September 2012 Advisor Training

Year Ended June 2012: 5,804 individual students received personal post- secondary financial aid counseling Average financial aid award exceeded $11,000 90% matriculated to a post-secondary institution 124 GRASP last dollar scholarships awarded

September 2012 Advisor Training

7/24/12 GRASP Board Meeting - Preliminary Numbers 7 GRASP Advisor Reach

Helped 15% more students in % of counselors responding to year-end quality control survey would like the same advisor back next year 100% of counselor respondents said that their advisor is a valuable asset to their department, and is knowledgeable and concerned about the students. Over 90% of this year’s student respondents report that they will attend post secondary education 7/11/2012 GRASP Board Meeting 8

9 $ 65, Last Dollar Scholarships 44 Men 78 Women 3.29 Average GPA, Range 2.0 to Foster Care, 8 Homeless

7/11/2012 GRASP Board Meeting 10  Bridgewater College  Campbell University  Christopher Newport University  College of William and Mary  Dabney Lancaster Community College  Eastern Mennonite University  ECPI  Ferrum College  George Mason University  George Washington University  Hampton University  Howard University  J Sargeant Reynolds Community College  James Madison University  John Tyler Community College  Johnson & Wales  Liberty University  Longwood University  Lynchburg College  Mary Baldwin College  University of Mary Washington  Massachusetts College of Art and Design  Norfolk State University  North Carolina Central  Old Dominion University  Piedmont Virginia Community College  Radford University  Randolph-Macon College  Regent  Richard Bland College  Southern Virginia University  Staunton School of Cosmetology  University of Mary Washington  University of Maryland- BC  University of Missouri-Columbia  University of Richmond  University of Virginia  Virginia Commonwealth University  Virginia Military Institute  Virginia State University  Virginia Tech  Virginia Union University Last Dollar Scholarship Recipient Colleges

 In-school advising, Last Dollar Scholarships, Latino Outreach, Community Outreach  SOAR, last year students earned $121,000 in scholarships funded by Virginia529  Other Scholarships: VCU School of Business, School System Specific  College Success  Additional Scholarship Funds: Northstar, Hargrave, Corporate, Courage to Succeed

September 2012 Advisor Training Individuals Businesses Foundations SCHEV School system contributions Fees for services

AKA Neighborhood Assistance Program AKA Neighborhood Assistance Grant (NAG) Virginia Department of Education 300% of poverty or below Assists organizations in fundraising Individuals and businesses benefit from 65% state income tax credit

Targets those at 300% of poverty and below but serves all students. Over 50% of those served meet GRASP’s low income target.

“I wanted to say a personal thank you for all the help, advice and guidance with assisting me in setting my next set of life goals. Please know that your time along with my hard work and dedication will help me cross that next horizon for success. Again, thank you for believing in me as much as I believe in myself !” GRASP Student Note

7/24/12 GRASP Board Meeting GRASP Advisor Retsy Kitchen at Highland Springs High School with Early Commitment Scholarship recipient.