For the Smart Money Cookie

Michael and Susan Dell envisioned equal educational opportunities for every person, so they established The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation in 1999. The foundation supports children’s causes and aims to provide better health and education for those living in urban poverty. One of their programs is the Dell Scholars Program which allows financially-challenged students to realize their greatest potentials through higher education.

Since 2004, $14 million college scholarships have been awarded. Every year, the foundation selects 250 scholars who are sincere in their intentions of pursuing higher education. The scholars may not have produced straight A’s in school, but have achieved more than perfect scores in overcoming obstacles in order to pursue their education. These are persevering, dedicated students who want to enter a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution. These are students who work hard to fulfill their goals.

Among this year’s scholars are three Pasadena Independent School District students who participated in an approved college readiness program and maintained a 2.4 grade point average. Each student was awarded $20,000.

The Dell Scholars Program serves as an inspiration for students to strive hard in reaching for their goals. It allows schools and teachers to revise their methods of offering a better, more interesting, and inviting academic environment.

Michael and Susan Dell’s program is proof that no matter how many challenges one has to hurdle, with hard work, determination, and the support of family and the community, dreams can come true.

Feed the Children partners with NutraCea and FedEx to assist needy families in Brazil.

Learn more about Feed the Children on their Better Business Bureau profile.

Feed the Children is a philanthropic organization featured on Design 21.