Access College Foundation’s College Commitment Day: Students Celebrate Dedication to Higher Education

High school seniors from six different school divisions in the Norfolk area celebrated their commitment to higher education at College Commitment Day, hosted by the Access College Foundation. The event, held at Chartway Arena, saw a record crowd of about 2,000 students excited about their future in college.

Access College Foundation, known for helping students navigate the college application process and apply for financial assistance, awarded over $54,000 in scholarships to 18 deserving individuals. One student, Amari Edwards, expressed how life-changing the experience was and how it felt like a dream to receive a scholarship.

With 250 colleges represented at the event, students were thrilled to see their peers committing to furthering their education. Kings Fork High School senior Stephen Parker emphasized the importance of college in setting a strong foundation for a successful career and life. Nansemond River High School senior Mekhia Williams shared her excitement for her classmates taking the next step in their education journey.

As college costs continue to rise, Access College Foundation has increased the value of their scholarships thanks to generous community supporters. With nearly $1.2 million in scholarships to be awarded this year, the foundation is dedicated to making college a reality for many students. The event was just a taste of what’s to come for graduating seniors, with an awards dinner planned for June to celebrate their achievements.