FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Central College Awarded Grant to Fund Early Support

Central College will host Early Support pilot study to increase graduation rates for high-
school juniors and seniors.

NEW YORK, (Feb. 9, 2017) --The New York Educational Research Foundation awarded Central
College a grant to fund the Early Support pilot study to increase high school graduation rates.

Early Support is a program created to develop remedial education programs. It targets struggling
high school juniors and seniors allowing them to learn at a college level in reading, writing, math
and computer skills.

We are excited to welcome this new program to our institution, said Dr. Leon C. Dewitt,
President of Central College. Central looks forward to serving our local community and easing
the transition into college life and rigorous course work for the youth.

Central College alongside New York University, St. Johns University, Barnard College and
Wells College were chosen to host the one-year program. The five institutions were chosen based
on their excellence in electronic learning and expertise in one or more of the subject areas
included in the program.

The program will include a variety of learning opportunities. The goal is to have the selected
students begin their college experience at the same level as their peers and ultimately increase
graduation rates at the local high schools. Central College promises to accept students who apply
to the institution after they finish the program.
A joint team of high school and college counselors and foundation analysts will chose students to
participate in the program at the end of their sophomore year. Students will take part in the online
program for their final two years of high school.

Each unique course will be developed and taught online by Central Colleges personnel.
Students progress will be monitored and reported at the high school level. Central College has
agreed to offer financial aid to all applicants who satisfactorily perform in the program.

The grant that is given to all five colleges/universities will cover all the equipment for the
classrooms and anything else each institution might need for the program, said Research
Director J.D. Philips.

The first meeting for the college and universities participants will be held on Feb.15 at
the Capitol.

About Central College

Founded in 1902, Central College was the first institution of higher education in Manhattan.
Central College is a private, non-denominational liberal arts college with locations in Manhattan
and Lower Manhattan. Over the years, Central College has provided more than 200,000 students
with the experience and education needed to excel in more than 100 subjects. Today, Central
College prepares 4,500 full-time and 1,200 part-time students to be the next generation of global
leaders and engaged citizens through a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum, which provides
students with a wide range of skills. Visit www.CentralCollege.edu to learn more.

###

Contact: Krystal Rennie

Public Relations Director
Central College
krenn@centralcollege.edu
Phone number: 212-200-9123