~  It is sometimes difficult to quantify the success of a program when the subject is individual achievement.  One shining example of how Quad City Scholars can impact a student and a community resides at West High School.  Kathy Jack is now a high school science teacher but she gives the Quad City Scholars Program much credit for her decision to pursue a college degree.  Kathy, an African American woman, attended Central High School as a student and at that time, had little knowledge about the college process.  She hadn't really considered college as an option.  Kathy became a participant in Quad City Scholars and she says this program opened her eyes to college possibilities and career opportunities.  Kathy earned her degree from the University of Northern Iowa.  She now is a well-respected science teacher and coordinates a Quad City Scholars program at her high school.  ~

~  Just last year, Paul Carther, the Quad City Scholars Coordinator at Moline High School, learned that a young Hispanic male student had received a high ACT score despite only average school performance.  This young man was working almost full time outside of school to support his family and hadn't considered himself to be "college material".  With Paul's mentoring and support, he began to believe that he did have the ability to attend college and is now enrolled at St. Ambrose University pursuing a degree.  ~

Here are a few examples of what our 2007 Quad City Scholars high school graduates are doing:

• Sheldon from Alleman plans to attend Columbia University and hopes someday to be a plastic surgeon.
• Xaveria from North High plans to attend Western Illinois and major in psychology.
• Felipe from Moline High plans to attend St. Ambrose University and study engineering.
• Tamalita from Rocky will enroll at Blackhawk College to earn her Associate's Degree and transfer to a 4 year school to complete her Bachelor's Degree.
• Sha'terika from United Township plans to attend Augustana College and major in Education.

In 2007, four Quad City Scholar students scored 30 or above on the ACT exam. The national average ACT score for all students is 22.0.

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Although the job market and educational institutions have experienced change over the last 20 years, the Quad City Scholars program remains an effective tool in preparing participants for college entry and professional careers.

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