email this story

Students in College Prep started the reception announcing new scholarships the same way they start any other day -- with a cheer.

“How do we feel?  Highly motivated!  How do we feel?  Super dedicated!”

This highly motivated, super-dedicated group of students from Lawrence had a real reason to cheer when Chancellor Marty Meehan recently welcomed them to campus and announced the establishment of the Henry J. Powell Lawrence High School Endowed Scholarship for University Success.  The award is for deserving students who participate in the College Prep program.

College Prep is a 20-year success story.  The program brings students from grades 7 through 12 to UMass Lowell’s campus, combining academics with lessons on important life skills, and offering young people a chance to immerse themselves in an experience that prepares them for college.

“It is with great pride that we announce these scholarships,” stated Chancellor Meehan. 

“I know firsthand how difficult it can be to pay for your education.  Scholarships like this will help put a college education within reach for students.”

Two students, Hector Guerrero and Jennifer Franco, were awarded the inaugural Powell Scholarships for the upcoming academic year.  Both students completed the College Prep program and graduated from Lawrence High School in June.  Guerrero will study exercise physiology and Franco will major in liberal arts.  The scholarships awarded both students $5,000.
 
“I love this program,” said Franco.  “It has been a wonderful opportunity.  It has been great to be able to come here in the summer to get familiar with the campus.  I am really excited to start college in the fall.”

Henry “Hank” Powell is a UMass Lowell alumnus and Lowell native. He is the founder and former president of the Powell Corp.  He and his family had previously established the Powell Family Endowment Scholarship to assist students living in Lawrence or Lowell. 

“This great University is just twelve miles down the river from you,” said Powell, addressing the College Prep students. “Don’t miss this opportunity to get an education. 

Give it your all, study and work hard, and get your degree.  You will never regret it.”

In addition to the Powell scholarships, the University announced eight more awards for College Prep students.  Each scholarship awarded was for $2,000 with portions of the funds provided by the Graduate School of Education; College of Arts and Sciences, Division of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; School of Health and Environment; and the College of Engineering. 

“I think that these scholarships open the doors to opportunities for students,” said Dr. Hector Torres, program director of College Prep.  “It helps eliminate their worries about how to pay for school and it contributes to their chance of success.”