Texas Foundation Provides Scholarships for Students with Learning Differences to Enroll in Landmark College’s Online Dual Enrollment Program
The San Antonio-based Clara Freshour Nelson Foundation has donated $200,000 to support scholarships for students with learning differences enrolling in Landmark College’s Online Dual Enrollment Program.
Landmark College was established in 1985 as the first institution of higher education designed exclusively for students with learning differences, including learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD or autism and executive function challenges.
Over the past 8 years, the Vermont-based college has offered online dual enrollment to high school junior and seniors and gap year students with learning differences, helping hundreds prepare for the transition to higher education while earning college credits.
“We are happy to partner with Landmark, as it is a college that offers many paths to success through two-year, four-year, and transition programs to students with divergent needs,” says Elizabeth Nelson. Ms. Nelson is a trustee for the Clara Freshour Nelson Foundation. “Landmark is truly student-centered in its approach to education, and is an institution committed to empowering students to reach and exceed their personal aspirations.”
About Landmark College
Landmark College offers a personalized and highly supported model for online dual enrollment. Students work with a Course Advisor, who assists the students in navigating the online learning environment and helps them stay on top of course assignments through regular check-ins based on each student’s need.
Course Advisors use a nondirective coaching approach, which looks to the student for problem solving in a supportive and nonjudgmental way, creating a safe space for students to grow as independent learners.
Classes are limited to 12-14 students to allow students to received individual attention from instructors who are experienced in working with students who learn differently.
Courses are offered in a variety of disciplines, including Business, Communication, Computer Science, Education, History, Math, Psychology, and Sociology.
Funds from the Clara Freshour Foundation will be allocated over a period of two years, and may be combined with other funds that students are eligible to receive. Scholarship recipients will be selected by the greatest financial need. Moreover, Landmark College Office of Financial Aid has also set forth their own criteria.
Dr. Manju Banerjee, vice president for educational research and innovation at Landmark College, says the foundation had previously provided scholarship support for the College’s online post-baccalaureate certificate program, which provides training to educators who work with students who have a learning difference such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism. That experience led them to making this second donation.
“The Clara Freshour Nelson Foundation is committed to ensuring educational access for students with learning differences. This award will enable us to offer deserving, high-need students the opportunity to experience a Landmark College education,” says Banerjee. “We believe we can live up to the expectations of the Foundation to make a difference in the lives of deserving, neurodivergent students.”
There is still time to enroll students in the fall semester, which begins September 1, 2020. Interested families should visit www.landmark.edu/dual, where they download a free brochure or apply online. They can also email online@landmark.edu or call 802-387-6881.
