Scripps College Academy received the 2010 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award Oct. 20 at an award ceremony at the White House. First lady Michelle Obama presented the award.
400 after-school and out-of-school programs were nominated for the world. Out of 50 finalists from around the country only 15 programs were awarded the prize.
The award is the nation’s highest honor for after-school programs aimed at supporting arts and humanities. Besides the prestige of the award, Scripps will also receive $10,000 to support and expand the program.
The Scripps College Academy (SCA) is college-readiness program geared toward preparing high-achieving young women in the greater Los Angeles area for higher education and promoting the next generation of women leaders, according to the Scripps College website.
The Academy was established in 2002 as a free year-round program. Scripps faculty and staff mentor participants of the program, helping them prepare for applying to college and becoming successful college students.
Scripps Dean of Faculty Amy Marcus-Newhall and current SCA participant Raemi Thomas received the award at the White House.
The program has been successful in helping participants gain access to four-year universities. 100% of SCA participants graduate from high school and attend four-year universities. Of the participants, 90% will be the first in their families to attend college. Each year the SCA supports more than 320 students.