Murphy Oil - best known as the gas station at Wal-Mart - started a program a few years ago in the declining old oil boom city of El Dorado, Arkansas with the hopes of ending the population decline. Their idea: Any student who goes to school at El Dorado will be given the opportunity to go to college for free. Grades are not a factor, only time spent at the school district. They are given enough money to attend any college in the US - as long as it does not exceed the highest college tuition in the state of Arkansas.
Early Results:
Quote:
During the time since the Promise was announced, 1,004 new students have enrolled in the El Dorado School District, reflecting a four percent increase overall. Families have relocated to El Dorado from 31 other states and 13 foreign countries.
The increase in college enrollment also continues to impress. At 79%, the 2009 Promise graduates that enrolled in college exceeded both the state (63%) and national (67%) college enrollment rates. A quarter of 2009 Promise recipients enrolled in college are first generation higher education students.
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El Dorado Promise touts success of unique effort | The City Wire
You must understand, this is a very poor, very rural city. It is amazing what kids will do when they see that they actually have the chance to do something with their lives.
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