Project Horizons/Discovery
Project Horizons/Discovery is a college-track mentoring program for at-risk middle and high school students in Accomack and Northampton Counties. The program provides an extra academic, social, and cultural boost for economically disadvantaged students, and exposes them to the post-secondary education environment. We are funded through generous donations to the Eastern Shore Community College Foundation and operate in partnership with Project Horizons/Discovery of Virginia.
How Students are Chosen
The program focuses on promising students who are nominated by teachers and guidance counselors, community members, or other students. The nominations are based on academic potential as well as economic, social, and academic needs. Final selections are made by the Project Horizons/Discovery coordinator, advised by school guidance counselors and/or teachers.
Who Are Our Students
- High school students from Accomack and Northampton Counties
- Many are first generation college students
- Many students are from families who are under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Some may have difficult family lives or have experienced barriers to success in school
Students Served
- 50 students are in the program at any one time
- Many alumni continue higher education at Eastern Shore Community College and 4 year colleges including: Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, Goldey Beacom College, and Virginia Commonwealth University
- Scholarships received by Project Horizons/Discovery students include: Project Horizons Scholarship, A. James Clark Scholarship, The Gates Scholarship, Questbridge Scholarship, Virginia Tech Presidential Scholarship Initiative, Watson Memorial Scholarship, Access College Scholarship
Benefits to Students
Project Horizons/Discovery students receive:
- RECOGNITION: Students are given a special opportunity and encouragement to succeed.
- ATTENTION: Regular access to caring and supportive adults.
- REWARDS: Cash incentives for C or higher in core subjects.
- Cultural, Social, and Educational Opportunities: Activities and field trips to museums, historical sites, art centers, career exploration, and college visits.
- EXTRA HELP: Individual support, Mentoring, guidance, and tutoring as needed.
- FREE TUITION: Upon graduation from high school and completion of financial aid application Project Horizons/Discovery students are guaranteed two free years of tuition and fees at ESCC, plus a textbook stipend.
Recent Trips and Activities
Project Horizons/Discovery Students have had the opportunity to:
- Tour University of Maryland Eastern Shore, St. John’s College, Old Dominion University, Eastern Shore Community College admissions
- Participate in monthly in-school activity meetings on topics like: Budgeting, Financial Aid, Career Exploration, and Learning Styles.
- Explore local career opportunities with NASA Wallops, Riverside Shore Memorial, the UVA Research Station
- Interact with college staff, advisors, career counselors, and others to help guide them in their futures
- Receive individual mentoring and assistance in applying for colleges, scholarships, and career exploration
Program Requirements
Students must:
- Re-Enroll in the Project Horizons/Discovery program each year.
- Stay active in the program by attending monthly meetings and attending field trips when possible.
- Study, keep grades up, improve problem areas, inform the coordinator if a tutor is needed.
- Fill out Academic Incentive forms after each grading period to receive their cash rewards.
- Maintain good behavior at home and school.
- Complete College Access Plan (Seniors only)
The Project Horizons/Discovery Coordinator
Regular Duties:
- Arranges field trips, college visits, activities, and/or opportunities for Project Horizons/Discovery Students
- Communicates with students and provides supports to students as needed
- Enrolls/re-enrolls students by completing necessary paperwork and orientation required by Project Horizons/Discovery
- Communicates between ESCC and Project Horizons/Discovery of Virginia to ensure compliance with Project Horizons/Discovery requirements, including regular attendance at meetings and completing necessary reports and paperwork.
For more information please contact: