Seven graduates preparing to leave Denair Charter Academy can start the next chapter of their academic career with a smile on their face as they are the first group of graduates from the Charter to receive scholarship money.

Of the 103 graduates, seven received a total of $6,000 to put towards college expenses. The funds were made possible through an Access Success Grant Scholarship the Charter was awarded through the Stanislaus County Office of Education. By supporting students through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, process and increasing student submissions by 21 percent, the Charter received scholarship funds to award to graduating seniors. 

“It means everything to be able to give these kids these funds. It’s a culmination of everyone’s hard work starting with the students themselves as well as parents, teachers and the Board’s vision to have a program like ours. It’s pretty exciting,” said Principal Michelle Bush.