Eastern Shore Community College Foundation recently welcomed Miriam Cornwell as the new Coordinator of Project Horizons, a college-track mentoring program for at-risk middle and high school students. Operated in partnership with Project Discovery through ESAAA, Project Horizons provides extra academic, social, and cultural support for economically disadvantaged students who face significant barriers, and the program exposes them to the post-secondary education environment. Graduating seniors of the Project Horizons program receive a free full two-year scholarship to ESCC, including books and fees.

Earlier this summer Miriam organized a celebration for seniors who recently completed the Project Horizons program, with a day of games, activities, and recognition at ESCC, including tours of the campus and a creative scavenger hunt.  ESCC is pleased to announce that Logan Woermer from Nandua High School and Justin Bundick from Northampton High School will attend ESCC starting Fall 2022 and utilize this important scholarship.

In between team-building activities, food and fun, other awards were presented.  The Rosa Award was created to remember a promising young Project Horizons/Project Discovery who tragically lost her life to gang violence in 2003. Local schools are asked to nominate students who have worked hard to overcome obstacles and difficulties. This year’s nominees were: Lola Kershaw, Sophia Morrell, Logan Woermer, Kendell Fisher, Cyrus Manley, and Tylaye Smith.  All of the nominees received cash prizes, and Cyrus Manley was announced as winner. He received a $100 cash prize.

Miriam’s plans for the Project Horizons program beyond this summer’s successful celebration include at least two upcoming field trips for students. In August the group will travel to Old Dominion University for a campus tour followed by an afternoon at Apex Entertainment for bowling, mini-golf, laser tag, and more. In September, a trip to NASA/Wallops Island is in the works.  Field trips are free for students and include transportation, meals and activities.

ESCC Foundation’s Project Horizons program is funded by a small endowment, annual contributions, and a grant from Project Discovery through ESAAA. Over the past ten years, 100% of Project Horizons students graduated from high school. Well over 90% of these students pursue post-secondary education with the remainder entering the military or workforce.  

Project Horizons was started under the leadership of the late Robert S. Bloxom, Sr., a former ESCC Foundation Board member and a tireless advocate for the founding of ESCC. For more information on Project Horizons or how to enroll a student, contact Miriam Cornwell at mcornwell@es.vccs.edu or 757-789-1742.