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FOR IMMEDAITE RELEASE Caroline Leonard

November 20, 2013 (203)-984-0259
cleonard8@elon.edu

A Second Education for High School Dropouts
Beginning in September of 2014, this six-year program aims to give students a chance to
complete their high school diploma and work towards a college degree.
High school dropouts are given a second opportunity at success through the
Olympia University high school and college education program in Mountaintop, Va. This
private college is placed in an area where the high school dropout rate reaches 42 percent,
an average higher than any other place in the nation. Individuals that fall into this category
often come from low-income families that are unable to continue their education due to job
obligations. Olympias president, Dr. Foster L. Fogbottom, strongly believes that this
problem needs to be addressed, and so action will begin to create a solution for these
dropout students. To address the importance of a solution Fogbottom said:
We believe a university has an obligation to its wider community and not just to those who
teach, work or study on campus. We are members of that community... We believe that
within 10 years, this program can become a national model for other programs in
economically depressed areas.
The new platform at Olympia University will enroll 300 students and begin in September
2014. Night classes will take place to accommodate students that work during the day.
English, American History, Mathematics and General Science are high school courses that
students can take to finish their high school degree. Following the completion of courses
with a B grade or higher, students will then work towards a college degree. In a total of six
years, students can have their high school diploma and four semesters of college work
completed.
Olympia recognizes that college tuition is difficult to pay in an area where the average
individual income is $25,000 per year. Therefore, Olympia is extending low-interest loans to
cover tuition. In addition, Olympia is offering to help students obtain federal and state loans
to cover the rest of the costs for this education program. Students will have to pay only for
their room and board, which totals $8,000 per year. However, Olympia assumes that many
students already live within the four-county area and will not have to live on campus.
President Fogbottom created this program with hopes of lowering the percentage of high
school dropouts. Giving back to the community of Mountaintop and the wider Virginia area
is important to Olympia University. Applications will be available within the next month on
Olympias website.
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