Jorge Patricio of Dardanelle, a student in the Arkansas Tech University Upward Bound program, has earned a $20,000 Dell Scholar award from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
Dell Scholar applicants must be in a college readiness program, show financial need, be in good academic standing and plan on attending a four-year institution. Only 500 students are selected from across the United States each year.
As a Dell Scholar, Patricio will receive $20,000 to be used for tuition, housing, books and living expenses as well as a Dell laptop, textbook credits and access to emergency funds.
“It means that now I have additional support for my education and my future,” said Patricio when asked about his selection as a Dell Scholar. “I feel so much safer, and I feel like I have the liberty to explore more options. I am supported in that by having this scholarship.”
Patricio joined the ATU Upward Bound Math and Science program as a ninth grader in the Dardanelle School District. He graduated from Dardanelle High School in May and is participating in the Upward Bound summer program at ATU during the month of June.
“It has been really fun and I’ve made a lot of friends,” said Patricio when asked about his Upward Bound experience. “It’s meant so much. Even if it’s just been little questions I’ve had about college, the Upward Bound staff has always been there to help me. They always answer my questions.”
Learn more about the ATU Upward Bound Math and Science program at www.atu.edu/ubms.
