Crosby Scholars Ramps Up Iredell County Recruitment, Celebrates Summer Success

Since 2015, Crosby Scholars of Iredell County has helped middle and high school students navigate the journey to higher education and rewarding careers. With the 2024-2025 school year underway, Crosby Scholars is stepping up recruitment efforts. 

“A new school year represents a fresh start for most students. It’s our best time to increase program participation,” says Executive Director Suzanne Wegmiller. Crosby Scholars was well represented by staff and student ambassadors at school open house events this month. Staff also works with guidance departments and school principals year-round to promote participation. Students can join during school events or online at www.crosbyscholarsiredell.org.

Students and parents can also attend the Crosby Scholars Open House drop-in event Sept. 17. It takes place at the Goodwill Workforce Development Center (124 Fourth Crescent St., Statesville, NC) from 5:30 to7:30pm. Attendees will learn about the program and speak with Crosby staff members. Representatives from community partner organizations will be available. Active participants and new enrollees will receive a T-shirt.

New student registration for the 2024-2025 school year ends Dec. 1.

Crosby Scholars currently serves more than 1400 Iredell County students. Participants can take advantage of career exploration opportunities. Academy sessions help to improve academic skills. College tours allow students to experience campus life and envision their future. One-on-one advice for financial aid and scholarships can help make that future possible.

Sixth through tenth graders are eligible to join. Program benefits, however, continue through graduation and beyond. 

To remain active in Crosby Scholars, students must attend one academy session each year. They must maintain their GPA and complete at least two hours of community service. 

“Volunteer requirements benefit both our partner community organizations and our students,” says Wegmiller. “It involves and invests them in their own community. Students can also discover new skills and interests that could lead to a future career.”

Crosby Scholars recently concluded a busy summer season, with student programs that included:

• Seven “Try It Tuesday” career exploration sessions, including site visits and classroom sessions
• Four “Workshop Wednesday” sessions focused on applying for college. The focus was test prep, essay writing, and using the CommonApp to apply for college.
• A high school college campus tour to UNC Asheville and Western Carolina University
• A middle school college campus tour to Lenoir Rhyne and the NC School of Math and Science in Morganton
• Leadership courses for middle schoolers, high schoolers and rising 6th and 9th graders

Those wishing to support Crosby Scholars of Iredell County can donate online at www.crosbyscholarsiredell.org/how-to-invest/donate/.