Futures

Futures’ Mission is to provide mentoring, encouragement
and financial assistance to selected students
who show the ability, desire and motivation
to attend college, but lack the
necessary resources.

Futures enables selected students to fulfill their dreams of a college education. The lateJoe Sawtelle, a generous and insightful local businessman, created Futures.  One summer Joe employed a bright, hardworking student whom he strongly encouraged to go to college. Toward the end of the summer the boy’s mother came to see Joe and told him to stop putting ideas in her son’s head. They had no money and her son would never go college.  This incident spurred Joe, his friends, and local businesses to start a scholarship fund so that lack of money would not prevent qualified students from going to college.

Eligibility for Futures depends on several qualities.. The student should demonstrate a desire to learn and an interest in higher education. Grades, ability, attitude, determination and family support are all considered.   Most Futures students are the first in their family to go to college.  Each year, in January, a letter explaining the program is sent to all 8th grade homes.  Families can determine if their child meets the eligibility standards and request an application.  Middle school teachers are also asked to recommend students for the program.  Ten to twelve 8th grade students are selected each year.

Family income is also a factor in Futures’ eligibility. In 2009 guidelines are as follows:  family of two, yearly income should be no more than $28,000, for a family of three the limit is $35,200, and for a family of four, it is $42,400.  Please keep in mind that there is room for flexibility.

The Futures coordinator works with the students to help them reach their educational goals.  Good study habits, taking on increasing responsibility, college planning, help with applications and financial aid are all part of Futures discussions. The coordinator acts as an advocate for each student. 
All Futures students are required to apply for Federal Financial Aid and appropriate local and statewide scholarships. Futures pays the unmet need up to the cost of a University of New Hampshire education. That means that Futures will pay the difference between all the money that the students has raised (federal aid, grants, scholarships, work study), and the cost of their education (tuition, room and board, and books.) Students may go to school anywhere, but will have to raise funds for schools that are more expensive than UNH.

If you would like more information about Futures, please contact Phyllis Eldridge, Futures Coordinator, at Portsmouth High School, 436-7100 x 2924.  Or you can email her at peldridge@portsmouth.k12.nh.us.

 

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