Heavy rains didn’t dampen Austin High School and Pacelli High School students’ spirits upon learning that they’d have an opportunity to attend college debt-free.

Inside Knowlton Auditorium, The Hormel Foundation, APS and Pacelli Catholic Schools, officially launched the Austin Assurance Scholarship program on Monday afternoon. With this scholarship program, those looking to attend Riverland Community College to obtain their associate’s degree or technical training will be able to so for two years while having their tuition paid for.

Jeffrey Ettinger, chairman of The Hormel Foundation, shared his enthusiasm for the scholarship. The Foundation announced earlier this summer the scholarship would provide two-years of free college at Riverland Community College.

“The Hormel Foundation is looking forward to working with you,” he told a crowd of hundreds of high school students. “Anyone can qualify. …your effort can help you take control of your future.”

This was a moment that could change the futures for many students considering college, some of whom may not necessarily have had that chance because of financial hurdles that hindered them.

By removing the financial obstacle, some students are now strongly motivated to apply for the scholarship.

“I was planning to go to Riverland in the first place,” said Kamryn Helfritz, Austin High School senior. “But, I was worrying about student loans and debt. This scholarship announcement was a huge weight off my shoulders. I thought ‘how can I get that?’”

The prospect of attending Riverland Community College debt-free was also an attractive option for those who are considering going on to work on their bachelors degree. Pierre Lilly, an Austin High School junior, has thought about attending a four-year university, but now may apply for the chance to go to Riverland for two years, and then transfer to a larger school to save more money.

“Two free years is a great opportunity,” Lilly said. “A scholarship like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

However, students must show how much they want this opportunity by meeting the requirements to be considered eligible for the Austin Assurance Scholarship. Those requirements include:

Being a graduate from Austin Public Schools or Pacelli High School

Must have documented 50 hours of community service

Meet one of the following requirements by the end of the first semester of the student’s senior year: a 2.5 GPA or higher; have an ACT score of 18 or higher; pass all courses with a GPA of 2.5 or higher in their junior and senior year of high school; be a graduate of Be Your Best College Prep Summer Academy at Riverland Community College

Have an ASVAB Score of 31 or higher (ASVAB is an optional career assessment)

Be in the top 75 percent of their graduating class and meet one of the following categories: be a first-generation college student; be a low-income student; self-identify as a member of a racial/ethnic minority.

The student must also be enrolled in an approved program of study at Riverland Community College, according to the scholarship website. It’s important to note that students from neighboring districts will not be eligible for the scholarship and must reside in Austin Public School enrollment district in order to qualify. They cannot receive the scholarship if they transfer out of the district before graduation. Students who transfer into the district will receive a prorated scholarship depending how many years they attend high school.

Scholarship amounts will vary for each student. It’d pay for 100 percent of the student’s tuition and fees that aren’t funded by federal or state grants or other scholarship funds. It also pays for up to 65 college credits toward an approved program of study at Riverland. There are some exceptions for programs or majors requiring more than 65 credits. Additionally, students will also receive a one-time stipend of up to $1,000 for required materials needed for their courses.

“This is a game changer,” said Jean McDermott, principal at Pacelli Catholic Schools. “This is a chance of a lifetime. Take the time to put in the effort.”

Superintendent David Krenz shared with students and media outlets that the discussions regarding a pathway for higher education had been in the making for more than a decade. However, this scholarship was unique in the sense that any student could be considered eligible for the program, whether they were interested in a college degree or receive training for a trade job.

Krenz stated that there was no income-cap for a student to be considered for the scholarship and wanted to remove money as an obstacle that prevents a student from pursuing a higher education and to build their futures that makes them successful.

“There’s so much focus on academics,” Krenz said. “Every student has this opportunity. We thought, ‘why not everybody?’ Why not support all of our kids?”

‘We are grateful’

Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, president of Riverland Community College, shared his enthusiasm with students who considered their options to attend the college through the Assurance Scholarship Program.

“We are ready with open arms to welcome you to Riverland,” Atewologun said to the students.

However, he did mention that this program was not meant to be taken for granted, and that these students must take the initiative and put in the effort to earn the gift of a higher education, such as the community service requirement, which in turn benefits the Austin community as a whole.

By these remarks, students were ready for that responsibility in earning their scholarship to college, and learning about striving for something greater.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Ed Dreyer,a Pacelli Catholic School senior said. “Not a lot of students go out into the community. This could really break barriers.”

For those interested in receiving more information about The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship or those looking to apply can go onto the website at www.austinassurance.org.