BY SUE RIESGRAF
We have many graduations here at Banyan (a community development organization in Phillips)”¦ milestones that Banyan kids are reaching AND are prepared to move onto the next level. Our FIFTH GRADERS are leaders and are preparing to enter MIDDLE SCHOOL. Our EIGHTH GRADERS are preparing to enter HIGH SCHOOL. Our SENIORS have their college plans in place- and are OFF TO COLLEGE this fall! Our college kids are also graduating and making the transition to CAREERS. These graduations give us a reason to pause and celebrate. Banyan kids “grow up” at Banyan because we are family. We are excited as a family to see our youth make successful transitions.
The Banyan high school graduates had many college options to choose from – both near and far, big and small, urban and rural. But after years of planning for this decision, countless meetings with parents and youth, applications completed, FAFSA forms filled out and sent in, scholarship applications submitted (all with the guidance of our College and Career Counselor) – they chose.
We are excited to report that over half will be living on campus, and to make college a reality – 75% of the tuition costs will be covered by merit and need based scholarships and grants.
Look out – Bethel University, Augsburg College, Loyola University, Minneapolis Community & Technical College, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities – Banyan youth will be on your campuses this fall, ready to make a difference!
We are so proud of all these accomplishments and milestones.
Banyan Community is a nonprofit community development organization rooted in the Phillips neighborhood to transform lives by developing youth, strengthening families, and creating community. For more information about our work visit us at www.banyancommunity.org or call (612) 722-8512 or email us at info@banyancommunity.org
