Program Gives Students Chance to Earn Free Laptops

Published July 19, 2013

Students helping students. That's the idea behind an exciting new program that's designed to improve test scores and help more students gain access to college.

According to the plan, students with an ACT score of a 21 or higher, who already qualify for the HOPE scholarship, may sign up to tutor students who have not yet reached a 21.

A student who improves their score to a 21 during the upcoming school year may receive a free laptop. In addition, those students who have already earned a 21 and tutor another student while meeting certain requirements may also receive a free laptop.

"I think the laptop will help kids who aren't motivated academically," said Ravenwood Senior Tyler Portanova. "It will give them something they can focus on to get where they need to be. I also think they'll be more likely to enjoy what they're doing academically."

The Class of 2014, 73 percent of whom have already reached an ACT score of a 21 or higher, hope to set a standard for every student to graduate from a Williamson County high school and have the option to go to college with scholarship money.

To qualify for the HOPE Scholarship over four years, students must earn an ACT composite score of 21 or higher or by having a 3.0 or higher unweighted GPA. Students who receive the HOPE Scholarship can earn approximately $16,000 for their college education.

“Our main motivator is to help students earn at least $16,000 for college,” said Fairview Senior Mallory Churchwell. “I know it definitely helps and if we can all just put in a couple of hours to make a difference then why shouldn’t we."

The rising seniors say their goal is to make a real difference in the lives of their fellow students. With the help of WCS staff, parents, community members and business leaders, they believe their vision will become a reality.

CLICK HERE to read a letter written by members of the Class of 2014 to their fellow students in which they discuss the new program. Additional information about tutoring requirements and other facets of the program will be made available at each high school.

Parents, community members and local businesses are encouraged to donate to the program to help acquire the laptops for participating students. If interested, CLICK HERE and select SENIOR CLASS ACT/LAPTOP INITIATIVE on the right.

Donors can also send checks made payable to: Williamson County BOE: Ladders to HOPE to the following address:

Williamson County Schools
Ladders to HOPE
1320 W. Main St. Suite 202
Franklin, TN 37064