Due to a $10K grant from the Universal Leaf Foundation, GRASP (Great Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc.), a college access organization, can continue its financial aid services and mentoring to high school students in Lunenburg County.

Ken Barker, GRASP CEO, expressed his gratitude for the grant saying, “Education or training beyond high school is so important, and GRASP services to students and families are there to help families understand the costs of various options for education after high school and how to pay for the desired education option. We’re grateful to the Universal Leaf Foundation for their continued support of GRASP services at Central High School in Lunenburg County.” He added, “Every student deserves opportunities to learn beyond high school.”

“The Foundation Board very much appreciates all that you and your organization (GRASP) do for the community,” said Harvard B. Smith, President, The Universal Leaf Foundation.

GRASP, a Virginia nonprofit, implements its services via advisers who provide free, confidential, one-on-one counseling to students seeking financial aid and scholarships for continuing education after high school – whether that is technical school, community college or a four-year university.

GRASP advisers now serve students and families in 79 Virginia high schools, from the greater Richmond and tri-cities area, to Highland County in the west, to Lancaster County in the east, and to Mecklenburg County in the south. The highly trained, GRASP advisers are adept at navigating the maze of the college and post-secondary education financial aid process. They also have a passion for helping today’s youth grasp infinite opportunities.

GRASP was co-founded in 1983 by Senator Walter Stosch and Dr. Ray Gargiulo. GRASP advisers work one day per week at each school. Appointments, which are free of charge, can be made through the schools’ counseling offices. More information about GRASP is available at the website, www.grasp4va. org.