Honoring the Public TrustGRASP’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star

rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. For the second consecutive year,

GRASP has earned this top distinction. "GRASP’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and

demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity

Navigator.

“Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds

GRASP to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on

its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity

when they decide to support GRASP.”

“It’s important our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely to accomplish our goal of ensuring every

student has an equal opportunity for continuing education after high school, regardless of financial or social

circumstances,” said GRASP CEO, Bettsy Heggie. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our

supporters our good governance and financial accountability.”

Celebrating success

GRASP Advising spans from high school through college completion. This month we celebrate graduates from across Virginia.Pictured are GRASP students graduating from the College of William and Mary, Christopher Newport University,

George Mason University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Thank you to Virginia's Legislature for supporting GRASP.Pictured are Godwin High School Last Dollar Scholarship

recipients with their representative, Senator Siobhan Dunnavant.

Foundation support from the John Randolph Foundation helpsGRASP to provide services in high-need schools. Hopewell High

School Last Dollar Scholarship recipients with theirrepresentative, Senator Roslyn Dance, left.

GRASP Advisor Lurtie Dillon, right.

Last Dollar Scholarships

School partners, such as Richmond Public Schools, allow GRASPto help students directly in high schools.

Pictured are Huguenot High School Last Dollar Scholarshiprecipient with Delegate Betsy Carr, center.

GRASP Advisor Martha Vick, right.

Dear GRASP donors and staff,

I am very humbled, honored and grateful to be chosen

as a 2016 GRASP Last Dollar Scholarship recipient! I am

especially grateful that I have been chosen to receive the

$1,000 level award! As you all know, I will be attending

the University of Mary Washington where I am planning

on pursuing studies in a field of science. ...It is due to

your kindness and generosity that I can pursue my

dreams with a significant diminishment to our family's

financial burden. I will forever be grateful and hope to

honor your generosity by working hard and becoming

an active participant in the UMW community!

Stephen Matthew Tivenan

Last Dollar Scholarship Recipient

Stephen Tivenan

Mills E. Godwin High School

Class of 2016

University of Mary Washington

Class of 2020

Waynesboro High School Last Dollar Scholarship recipientwith GRASP Advisor Lynne Hess.

$148,000 in Last DollarScholarships Awarded

this Spring

VinceRoss

I would like to thank you once again for the opportunity

to speak at the Gala last year. As I sit here and think about

this upcoming semester as my last semester, as well as the

last three semesters of my undergrad, I cannot forget the

impact that GRASP has had on my life. I could honestly

say that I would not be in the position that I am now

without GRASP. I would like to thank you for the many

opportunities, as well as everyone else involved with

GRASP.

I would also like to say that as of last week I was accepted

into the Graduate School here at Liberty University, and

this is a huge milestone for me.

Just to think that a few years ago I didn't know if I would

even be in the position to attend college, and now I'm

graduating after this upcoming fall and starting my

Masters in January. Once again thank you so much for

the impact that you and the rest of GRASP have had on

my life. If there is anything that I could do in the future

to help out anyone or any organization I am willing to

volunteer it and do it. ... May God continue to bless you

all.

-Deo Volente

Vince Ross spoke at Reach for the Stars in 2015. A

graduate of Buckingham High School, Mr. Ross attends

Liberty University. Recently, GRASP received this

email from Mr. Ross.

"I could honestlysay that I would notbe in the positionthat I am nowwithout GRASP."

College success

Working with Students Through CompletionGRASP is best known for our in-school advising program where students and parents receive help with college financial aid and

scholarships. GRASP also offers a College Success program. Students who receive Last Dollar Scholarships are invited to participate

in this program which uses a near-peer approach. Students who participate receive support through email programs, texting,

workshops and individual meetings. Participating students are invited to apply for competitive College Success scholarships.

We salute three of our College Success students.

GRASP,

First, I'd like to thank you for following me

all the way through college making sure

my financial needs were met year after

year. I'd also like to say that college for me

would have been nearly impossible

without your support. I am a first

generation college graduate and can finally

say the work is done and now it is time to

start another chapter in my life. My future

plans include applying for multiple

positions, but what I'd really like to do is

become a financial aid officer for

undergraduate students.

Education

Highland County High School,

Mary Baldwin College

MorganKellison

"I'd also liketo say thatcollege forme wouldhave beennearly

impossiblewithout yoursupport."

College success

GRASP is a 501(c)3 non­profit serving Virginia

Proudest Moment Associated with GRASP

My proudest moment with GRASP was

receiving the 2012 Last Dollar Scholarship at

my high school Awards ceremony.

Additionally, I was proud to be awarded the

College Success Scholarship each year after.

My GRASP Story

I was introduced to GRASP during my senior

year of high school while I was preparing for

the college admission process. Throughout

college GRASP kept in touch with me

through monthly email programs to see how

I was making progress and to ensure that I

was on top of my finances for school.

Education

Waynesboro High School,

Hampton University,

NC Central University School of Law.

About Ms. Jones

Jonelle Jones recently graduated Summa

Cum Laude from Hampton University,

ranked 2 of 374, in the class of 2016 with a BA

in Sociology. She is enrolled at North

Carolina Central University School of Law

for Fall of 2016.

Issue 27 | 234

JonelleJones

"Thank youGRASP forall yoursupportalong theway."

College success

GRASP's broadest results are from helping students with post-secondary financial aid. A random selection of four students' financial

aid awards demonstrates this. These four awards were: Washington and Lee, $47,663 grant; Virginia Commonwealth University,

$20,000 grant; Wake Forest University $50,000 grant; and Blue Ridge Community College, $5,815 grant. Overall, GRASP Advisors

helped students to secure about $85 million in post-secondary financial aid.

During the school year, GRASP surveys students' understanding of financial aid.

-- 98% of respondents said they would file the FAFSA or knew the next step to take.

-- 96% of those who met with a GRASP Advisor in their high schools (about 7,000 students) report that meeting with their GRASP

Advisor improved their understanding of how to pay for education after high school.

Upon completion of each school year, GRASP assembles overall results. Preliminary results show that:

-- 85% of students have completed the FAFSA.

-- On average, post-secondary financial aid awards were $13,000.

Students from Freeman High School with GRASP Advisor Janet Andrews celebratethe conclusion of a successful school year. These students began working with Ms.

Andrews in the 10th Grade.

advising impacts

How can you help?

4551 Cox Rd. Suite 115 | Glen Allen, VA 23060 | (804) 527 7726 | fax: (804) 527 7750 | www.grasp4va.org

Tax ID# 52­1277427  Email:  info@grasp4virginia.com

Tell parents and students about GRASP's services. They are free and offered in 76 high schools. Post our video, link to ourFacebook and visit our web page.

Donate to support our Last Dollar Scholarships. Make a direct donation to GRASP by credit card or check. Consider signing upfor monthly donations.

Contact us about grant or corporate sponsorship opportunities.

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