First Lenfest Scholars graduate from Penn State

First Lenfest Scholars graduate from Penn State

University Park, Pa. -- Penn State recently graduated its first class of students from Philadelphia who are recipients of the Brook J. Lenfest Scholarships: Yvonne Dansoa, a biology major; Ly May Kouai, a psychology major; and Dionne Showell, a human development and family studies major.

The Brook J. Lenfest Scholarship Program assists eligible low-income Philadelphia public high school students who show the motivation and academic ability to attend Penn State and succeed in their life pursuits. With Brook Lenfest's generous support, Penn State has developed a program to provide financial and support services to 15 entering freshmen each year who would like to attend Penn State at the University Park or Abington campuses.

Support continues through their undergraduate college career with the ultimate goal of completing a college degree. Students are selected from among those admitted to Penn State having attended Mastery Charter School in Philadelphia or who participate in programs with two Philadelphia area college assistance programs, White Williams Scholars and Philadelphia Futures.

A graduate of Northeast High School, Dansoa has been active in student organizations including United Soul Ensemble, Halal Dance Ministry, Caribbean Student Association, African Student Association, Black Caucus, SMART, Student National Medical Association and Association of Women in Science.

One of her goals is to attend medical school. Her community service includes Centre Volunteers in Medicine, Fox Chase Center of Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia Public Health Center.

"The Lenfest Scholarship gave me the opportunity to pursue my ultimate goal of becoming a medical doctor at a leading research and cience institution that has equipped me with the preparatory knowledge," says Dansoa, a native of Ghana.

Ly May Kouai has been a peer mentor for first-year students at Penn State's Abington Campus in greater Philadephia. The Asian American student has been recognized with academic awards and memberships in several honor societies i.e. Phi Kappa Phi, Psi Chi and Golden Key.

A graduate of Bodine High School, she has volunteered at nursing homes, daycare centers and elementary schools. One of her goals is to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology.

Kouai appreciates "just knowing that there are still people out there who care about me educationally and personally kept me motivated."

Showell is a graduate of William Penn High School and has participated in activities such as the Black Caucus Homecoming Extravaganza. "The Lenfast scholarship provides opportunities, inspiration and support to those who are willing to further their education with the lack of resources," says the African American student. "Many scholars including myself are able to remain motivated and devoted to their collegiate experience and academic ability without the worries of financial means. The most rewarding experience is not only having faith, but knowing that Brook Lenfest has faith as well."

Staff from Mastery Charter School, Philadelphia Futures and White-Williams Scholars works cooperatively with staff in the Office of Student Aid and staff from the Penn State Philadelphia Community Recruitment Center to identify and select eligible students and assist them in applying for admission, financial aid and other scholarship support. Diane Farnsworth of the Multicultural Resource Center at University Park is primary counselor to all of the Lenfest Scholars.

"So far, 60 students have begun their academic careers at Penn State with the financial, academic and social support systems that come with being selected a Lenfest Scholar. Students have access to enhanced academic and social support, including additional courses to counter any academic deficiencies, counseling and tutoring services, and a residential learning experience for first-year students at University Park," says Kelly Snyder, director of major gifts for undergraduate scholarships. "We are entering our fifth year in partnering with the Lenfest Foundation and hope to remain partners for a long time. This program benefits so many amazing youngsters who have the ability to succeed but just need some added financial and support opportunities. Brook Lenfest has the vision and the financial resources to make dreams come true."