GRASP (Great Aspirations Scholarship Jane M. Alford, M.Ed., CRC Program, Inc.) recently received a $60,000 award from the Microsoft Community Dr. David L. Bailey, Jr. Empowerment Fund to support GRASP services at Mecklenburg, Halifax and Charlotte County high schools. The award will be used for college financial aid advising for students at Park View High School, Bluestone High School, Halifax High School and Randolph-Henry High School. GRASP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable, college-access organization that assists students and families in obtaining funding for post-secondary education. GRASP’s goal is to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity for continuing education — 4-year college, community college, technical school, workforce credential after high school, regardless of financial or social circumstances.
“GRASP couldn’t be happier with the support provided by Microsoft for expanding GRASP advising services to students in Mecklenburg, Halifax and Charlotte counties.
Microsoft’s support in this endeavor shows their deep commitment to the communities in this region of Virginia,” said Ken Barker, GRASP CEO. “Expanding students’ opportunities to learn is GRASP’s goal, and now even more Virginia students are able to benefit from GRASP services.”
The Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund, created and managed by Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Development team, is designed to support community-led and prioritized projects, increase collaboration among contributors and award recipients, and develop ecosystems that help deliver common community priorities. Through this approach, Microsoft hopes to achieve long-term, systemic and holistic outcomes in the communities in which it operates.
“Microsoft is pleased to partner with GRASP and support their financial aid advising services for Mecklenburg County, Halifax County and Charlotte County high school students,” said Brian Burroughs, Boydton Datacenter Operations Manager. “The Microsoft Community Empowerment Fund awards are an important way for the company and our employees to contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.”