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GM Financial Grant Program Enables Students To Pursue Their Dreams

In September, GM Financial’s Big Dreams, Will Travel grant program sent eight Fort Worth high school students across the United States to tour several institutions.

In a fully funded four-day, three-night trip to the East Coast, juniors and seniors from Fort Worth’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) visited Swarthmore College, Barnard College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Amherst College, the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University.

For many high school students, touring colleges is a vital part of their college decision-making process. Exploring campuses and learning about each institution often helps students select which schools they are interested in attending. However, for some, the numerous costs associated with touring campuses prevent families and students from ever planning trips.

GM Financial covered the cost of airfare, lodging, ground transportation and meals for the entire trip.

“With GM Financial’s support, these future leaders received a firsthand look at what life as a college student is like. That includes hearing about academic and extracurricular offerings, meeting fellow students and faculty members, and learning about the financial expenses associated with being a college student,” said Lynn Hammer, Executive Director for the YWLA Foundation.

To be considered for the trip, students had to have a 4.0 grade point average, write an essay assignment, submit a résumé and complete a set of courses within GM Financial’s financial literacy program, KEYS® by GM Financial. Students who satisfy the criteria in the grant application demonstrate a high standard of achievement and academic excellence and embody some of GM Financial’s Core Values.

“Since 2018, we’ve witnessed the academic and professional merit that is YWLA,” said Susan Sheffield, Chief Financial Officer of GM Financial. “The school has a proven track record of producing ambitious students poised for success in science, technology, engineering, art and math fields.”

“Big Dreams, Will Travel allows us early access to this highly touted candidate pool, one that we’ll tap into when future internship and employment opportunities arise,” Susan said.

“Based on the program’s success last year — students receiving acceptances from Princeton University, Yale University and Wellesley College — it’s evident how impactful the Big Dreams, Will Travel grant program has been,” Lynn said.

“The experiences and knowledge gained from these college visits are truly invaluable. Thanks to GM Financial, these girls can feel empowered to dream big and imagine themselves traveling far,” she said.

To learn more about Big Dreams, Will Travel and the unique experiences of this year’s cohort, watch the video below.

By Emma Seidel, GM Financial

Emma Seidel is a strategic communicator who is enthusiastic about telling stories on a wide range of topics. Outside of work, you can find her trying a new coffee shop or exploring a hiking trail.