This summer the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s Dell Scholars Program will begin a study to determine the Emotional Intelligence competencies that best contribute to the success of their scholars.
The primary purpose of the EI project is to generate strategies and support networks to promote the social and emotional development of every Dell Scholar. The Scholar program is unique in that it places greater emphasis on a student’s determination to succeed than on the student’s academic record and test scores.
This approach of looking beyond grades has prompted program organizers to consider incorporating Emotional Intelligence as a means of developing the potential of prospective scholars. Program director Kevin Byrne is excited about the prospects. “A college education opens so many opportunities for young students to pursue their dreams,” said Byrne, “We hope to send every scholar with everything they need to be successful in school. The students will hopefully inspire others in their families and communities to dream big and empower their minds with higher education.” The following description, taken from the foundation’s website (www.msdf.org and www.dellscholars.org ), goes into more detail on the unique focus of the Dell Scholars Program:
The Dell Scholars Program is a need-based scholarship that recognizes academic potential and determination in underserved and low-income students. Most of the Dell Scholars are first-generation college students, and are chosen because they participate in an approved college readiness program and maintain at least a 2.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale while dealing with personal responsibilities at home or in their communities. Requirements also include graduation from an accredited high school, demonstrated financial need and intent to enter a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution.
Dell Scholars receive $20,000 each to continue their higher education over six years. In addition, the Dell Scholars program provides its students with technology, resources and mentoring to ensure they have the support they need to obtain a college degree. These additional resources have contributed to the program’s retention rate of 89 percent, well above the national average of 22 percent for these students.
More than 1000 scholarships and $14 million in scholarship funds have been awarded by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to date.
Byrne and the Dell Scholars program retention manager Oscar Sweeten-Lopez will be sharing additional details of their Emotional Intelligence initiatives during the Higher Education Symposium on Emotional Intelligence at Georgetown University on October 2 and 3. If you wish to join us, please visit www.mhs.com/eisymposium for registration details and the two day agenda.
Posted by eiinsider 
