The Hendrick Scholarship Foundation is a financial assistance program for Plano ISD graduates who have overcome adversity but want to continue their education despite difficult circumstances. The program was created in honor of Dr. H Wayne Hendrick, a former PISD superintendent who believed every student deserves the opportunity to get their college degree if they showed the willingness to pursue academic education.

Shelley Strickland, Chair of the Marketing and Community Relations Committee for HSF, said the program is unique because in addition to offering financial assistance, the program provides comprehensive support to scholars.

“Our secret sauce is pairing students up with a success coach over their entire college experience, as well as providing life skills workshops, career guidance counseling, and overall support,” Strickland said. “Right now, we have over 100 volunteers in the form of coaches, mentors, tutors and life workshop staff teaching scholars how to interview, network, manage their personal finances and transition from a junior college to a four-year university.”

Karen Noble worked for 33 years as an educator and administrator in PISD and now serves as the Chair of the HSF Student Success Committee, which works to advocate for and support students while helping successfully navigate getting their degree.

“The success coach is so important because they walk alongside the student and provide them with understanding of a system that is foreign to them,” Noble said. “They guide them through academic advising, financial issues and support the social-emotional needs of students who’ve experienced a negative impact on their mental health due to the pandemic and other struggles they face due to their circumstances.

Noble said many of the students HSF serves do not come from homes with a nuclear family and have economically disadvantaged backgrounds; many students have to work to contribute to their family’s household expenses and oversee the education of their younger siblings.

“While in high school, these students were taking rigorous courses including dual credit classes and Advanced Placement classes,” Noble said. ”Just because they are struggling financially doesn’t mean they don't want an education.”

Strickland cited statistics to show the positive impact of HSF and said on average, 25% of students in Texas are continuing their education past a high school degree. But the statistic for this group of at-risk students is much lower at 12%.

“With the Hendrick model, the statistic for this demographic is over 50%, more than 4x the state average for at-risk students who complete some level of post-secondary education. In fact, HSF will have 21 graduates for the 21-22 academic year,” Noble said.

There are multiple ways to get involved with HSF including funding scholarships. HSF created a program that partners with community members or companies to fully fund a $15,000 scholarship. Donors can pay the amount upfront or pay over the course of 3-5 years, and they are allowed to name the scholarship to honor their family or Plano residents.

Another way to support HSF is by attending special events like Taste 2022. This event will take place on March 3 and feature celebrity chef Tiffany Derry from Top Chef and Bar Rescue, as well as remarks from HSF Scholars, an auction, and bites from a dozen of Plano’s premiere restaurants. Find tickets to the events here.

Community members can also support HSF by volunteering their time. Strickland said the organization is always looking for tutors, coaches, admin support and even a graphic designer.

Noble said the success of HSF is a result of everyone who volunteers, participates and contributes.

“We’re huge advocates for these kids—we‘re here to walk alongside them. We don’t choose their classes or pick their schedule, but we’re here to make it the most positive and successful experience possible,” Noble said.

For those interested in applying for HSF funding for fall 2022, the application process is open and accepting applications through March 4. Find more information about HSF on its website and read about the program’s track record of success through stories of past scholars.

The above story was produced by Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team. Our integrity promise to our readers is to clearly identify all CI Storytelling posts so they are separate from the content decided upon, researched and written by our journalism department.