Donna C. Cupelo '78; Rev. Kenneth R.Sicard, O.P. '78 & '82G; and Madeleine Metzler, associate dean of the SCE

The enrollees are rising seniors who are academically qualified to attend college but who might not be able to continue their education after high school. Of the 20 students enrolled in the program, 12 would be first-generation college students.

The aim of the program is to facilitate these students' transition to college by providing a college-level experience, additional academic skills training, and exposure to admission processes.

The students are taking one college-level course and one course specifically geared to preparing them for the admission process. One recent class featured PC admissions counselors addressing the students on how to properly write an admission essay. In an earlier class, students were asked to research colleges that would fit their educational, financial, and extra-curricular needs.

The program is hosted by the SCE, which not only offers summer courses, but which is also renowned for serving local students.

"Many of these students may not have access to college preparatory programs, may have additional responsibilities at home, may have financial difficulties, or simply may not have been encouraged to further their education," said Madeleine Metzler, associate dean of the SCE. "By helping to build the appropriate academic skills in students while still in high school, the program will allow its participants to establish a firm foundation as they embark on their college career."

Funds for the program were presented to the College by Donna C. Cupelo, regional president/New England for Verizon Communications and a 1978 graduate of Providence College. 

"The Verizon Foundation supports education programs that prepare young people to succeed in the 21st century," said Cupelo. "We applaud Providence College for helping make college a reality for high school students in communities across Rhode Island."

"Providence College is proud to have earned this grant from the Verizon Foundation," noted Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80, College president. "The importance of education cannot be underestimated for its role in helping to improve the intellectual, economic, social, and cultural life of our state, its residents, and its communities. Through this program, local students will be able to take an important step forward in their education."

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, www.Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

In 2008, the foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.

Verizon Communications Inc., headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government, and wholesale customers.

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