Friends of FA Announces New $1,000 ‘Persistence Grants’ for All Graduates

Microgrants Provided Through a New Knight Fund Will be Available to Help Cover College-Related Expenses, Support Successful College Completion

The Friends of Foundation Academies announces that every recent and future graduate of the high-performing public charter network’s high school – Foundation Academy Collegiate – will be eligible to receive a $1,000 ‘Persistence Grant’ in the four years following graduation. The new microgrant program, provided by a newly-created Knight Fund, is designed to help students with college-related expenses that may otherwise prevent them from staying in school and successfully graduating. All alumni enrolled in a college degree or post-secondary vocational training program will be eligible for the grant.

“We want to support each and every graduate of Foundation Academy Collegiate on their road to successful careers, not just while they’re in high school, but beyond,” said Howie Powers, Chair of the Friends of Foundation Academies Board. “Small expenses add up, and they can prohibit a student from staying the course. That is why the Friends of FA is proud to commit $1,000 to every graduate to support them through their post-secondary careers. Every child deserves to achieve their full potential and we stand ready to help.”

Thanks to the help of a generous donor, Mr. John D. Spears, the Friends of Foundation Academies will reach even more alumni by retroactively expanding the Knight Fund to reach graduates from the Class of 2018 – 2021. Graduates are eligible for the grant up to four years following their high school graduation year.

“John Spears has been an enthusiastic champion of our school community for many years. We are so grateful to him and to all of our donors for supporting our brilliant and resilient alumni on their paths to and through college. We are especially excited that these grants are available to alumni pursuing college degrees as well as those who are committed to a professional trade. We want our alumni to be supported and successful in the professional paths they choose,” said Kathleen Reilly Streicher, Executive Director of the Friends of FA.

By 2025, with the help of generous donors, The Friends of Foundation Academies Knight Fund aims to award $125,000 annually in scholarships, awards, and persistence grants to alumni enrolled in accredited post-secondary programs.

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