Summit Scholars Brings Affordable Solution to Higher Education Costs
Fort Wayne, Indiana (PRWEB) January 15, 2014 -- The Summit and Grace College are pleased to announce Summit Scholars, an affordable education opportunity that combines online and in-class learning. Both organizations made the program official with a contract signing in early November. Starting in the fall of 2014, students will be able to pursue and receive an undergraduate degree in three years at a reduced cost.
Summit Scholars aims to counteract the rising costs of today’s traditional higher education through innovation and accessibility. Through state and federal grants, a $5,000 renewable scholarship and the flexibility to work, students can realize amazing cost savings and graduate with less than average debt. Each Summit Scholar will receive their $5,000 renewable scholarship beginning fall of 2014.
“Summit Scholars offers more flexibility to today’s busy families and students by making education accessible and affordable,” said Grace College president Bill Katip. “Both Grace College and The Summit are excited to offer students a unique learning model and the opportunity to pursue an affordable degree.”
After the Summit Scholars Scholarship is applied, the annual cost will be approximately $13,000. This includes the residential portion of the program. In addition, many students qualify for state and federal grants. This means a total bachelor's degree may be obtained from a private, faith-based school for under $40,000 total, for the three years.
The pilot program will offer spaces for 50 students to engage in a unique and immersive learning experience. Students will be able to form relationships with professors and their classmates. Summit Scholars will also offer opportunities for hands-on experience and internships.
Summit Scholars will follow a blended delivery model of learning. The program’s online component features two eight-week sessions during each term. Students will supplement their online learning with one-week residencies on The Summit campus at the beginning of each semester.
Each one-week residency will provide students with collaborative and engaging experiences with their professors and classmates. Summit Scholars will discuss relevant issues in cutting-edge Ideation labs, complete service learning projects in the community and enjoy residential experiences.
Summit Scholars offers majors in Health and Wellness, Management and Ministry Leadership. Each major will provide opportunities for students to network and gain practical experience toward their future work.
Students studying Health and Wellness will learn how to enhance and promote healthy habits in the community. Management majors will learn through experiential internships and practical assignments that will equip them with relevant business practices for the workforce. Ministry Leadership students will prepare to lead others into lives of service through connecting with area organizations and applying the basics of missions.
Summit Scholars offers an environment that is flexible, highly relational and Christ-centered. Students are encouraged to grow academically and spiritually, and to also form connections with their cohorts and the community around them.
Beginning in the summer of 2015, an optional Global Study Tour will also be available to students who are interested in traveling abroad and studying the liberal arts. Students will learn to apply their experience and area of study to a cross-cultural setting.
“This innovative program encourages students to learn and grow together while eliminating some of the constraints of traditional higher education,” said Larry Rottmeyer, executive director at The Summit.
Applications are available and can be found online at grace.edu/summitscholars. Acceptance decisions will be made within three weeks of an application submission. Applications can be submitted by the early deadline of April 30, 2014 or by July 1, 2014.
To download a complete press kit, visit ambassador-enterprises.com/the-summit/.
About Ambassador Enterprises
Ambassador Enterprises (AE) is a for-profit equity firm investing in individuals, organizations and companies that share our commitment to producing economic, cultural and eternal returns. Our partners—whether in marketplace or ministryplace—share a mutual desire with AE for learning and growth. AE invests time, talent, treasure, temperament and testimony through mutual value-exchange creation with compatible leaders to build sustainable and scalable organizations.
About The Summit
The Summit, owned by Ambassador Enterprises, is a unique campus located in the heart of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Summit offers space and resources to support businesses and organizations of all kinds. Featuring 11 buildings on 26 acres, The Summit is a collaborative community of organizations that share a vision of helping people reach their full potential.
Laurie Perolio-Bullinger, LABOV, +1 (260) 497-3005, [email protected]
Share this article