Since its inception over two decades ago, the Taylor Scholarship Program has served as a bridge connecting students in Montgomery County to Sinclair Community College. Dozens of Taylor Scholars a year have benefited from this program that began life as an endowment and continues to empower gifted individuals with a gateway to higher education.
According to the team that runs the initiative, the scholarship program began as an endowment provided by the Taylor family for the benefit of students in the county. It was their vision that Sinclair would use the funds to make college more affordable for students who might otherwise face financial difficulty.
“Our access scholarship is targeted toward first generation students,” said Latavia Walker, a Taylor Scholars Program Specialist. “We focus on retention, student success, and ultimately getting students to graduation. We provide year-long support for first year students and go beyond financial assistance.”
In addition to financial support, the program offers what it terms ‘wraparound services’. That includes one-on-one meetings, cohort meetings once a semester, and connectivity services to college or community resources.
“We are going on 20 plus years now and bring in anywhere from 70-100 students a year,“ said Patricia Peters, Taylor Scholarship Coordinator. ”The students we serve are so incredibly varied, ranging from graduates of traditional high schools to charter school attendees. We are fortunate to get to know them and aid them in their higher education journey.”
The Taylor Scholarship Program is aimed at first generation college students and students of promise in Montgomery County. According to Peters, Taylor Scholars come from a variety of diverse educational backgrounds. Accepted applicants can receive up to $3,000 and $300 in additional assistance per semester.
“Our goal is to provide them with everything they need to get their higher educational journey to a flying start,” said Peters. “We want them to feel secure and welcome, to know that this is their home and give them the sense of purpose that drives them to succeed in and out of the classroom.”
Applications for the Taylor Scholarship Program open every February. Prospective scholars can use the Sinclair scholarship portal to apply. The program also works with Educational Talent and Upward Bound to find eligible candidates.
Ismael Mujahid
Reporter