Aaron W. McLean

OUR MISSION: Tri-County Scholarship Fund raises funds to provide K-12 scholarships to financially disadvantaged children in NJ, regardless of race, religion, or national origin, so they can obtain a quality, values-based education through accredited private elementary and secondary schools. THE CHALLENGE: Many public schools in low-income areas of New Jersey offer sub-par education and have high drop-out rates. Drug use and violence are common. The environment is not conducive for learning. Academic standards are often lowered. Even with typically reduced graduation requirements, high school graduation rates are low. Families want their children at better, safer schools: Low-income families seek a quality education for their children, but they need help to afford the tuition at nearby independent and parochial schools. The schools are already there. The families just need some help with the tuition. THE SOLUTION: JOINT VENTURE Tri-County awards partial scholarships for K-12th grade students to attend safer, better schools. Our partner schools often offer discounted tuition. The families make significant sacrifices to pay their share. This shared responsibility means all are invested in the success of our students and our students make the most out of the educational opportunity. RESULTS: Since its inception in 1981 Tri-County has given educational opportunity to thousands of children. To date $38 million has funded over 38,000 scholarships. 100% of our students graduate from high school. 100% of seniors take the SAT I as compared to 85% in the State and 48% in the Nation. TCSF scholars attend colleges such as Boston College, Notre Dame, Rutgers, Seton Hall, & William Paterson to name just a few. Who Receives Scholarships? Many families are immigrants. The students reflect the diversity of their communities: 62% Hispanic, 18% African American, 15% Caucasian and 5% other. 90% of recipients qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.