For its innovative and successful academic enrichment program, Scripps College Academy has been recognized as a 2010 Coming Up Taller semifinalist by the United States President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Scripps College Academy is one of 50 semifinalist organizations out of 459 nominations from 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Scripps College Academy promotes higher education among academically ambitious young women in grades 7-12 from racially diverse and economically underserved communities in the greater Los Angeles area. The program was founded in 2002 by Scripps College, a top 25 liberal arts college in Claremont, CA, and has helped hundreds of students from more than 65 high schools prepare for success in higher education.
“Scripps College Academy epitomizes the Scripps College mission to equip young women intellectually and morally for satisfying professional and personal lives,” said Scripps College President Lori Bettison-Varga. “As a leading liberal arts institution, and one of the top women’s colleges, we have a commitment to improving access to higher education for all women, especially those in underserved communities.”
Scripps College Academy was recognized for its accomplishments by the Coming Up Taller Awards. This presidential commendation recognizes outstanding community arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America’s young people, provide them learning opportunities and chances to contribute to their communities. Ten Coming Up Taller Award finalists will be selected from among the 50 semifinalists. Each award recipient receives a $10,000 prize, presented by First Lady Michelle Obama, and an invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference in Washington, DC.
Scripps College Academy is a college preparation support program for high-achieving young women from underserved communities. Program participants visit the Scripps College campus for an intensive summer residential experience. They also participate in year-round support initiatives until high school graduation that help develop their academic skills and personal development in preparation for success in higher education.
Program participants receive personalized assistance in the college application process, and are routinely admitted to top colleges and universities throughout the country. This year, 100 percent of the program’s senior class enrolled in a four-year college or university, with 48 percent attending a private college or university, including institutions like Dartmouth College, Pomona College, Princeton University, University of Southern California, and Yale University. Since 2005, 18 Scripps College Academy scholars have enrolled at The Claremont Colleges, including 14 at Scripps College.