CSDC Awards First-Ever
Frum College Scholarships to DC "Charter Scholars"

June 22, 2009

The Charter Schools Development Corporation (CSDC) today announced the awarding of the first Frum "Charter Scholars" college scholarships to three recent outstanding graduates of District of Columbia public charter high schools. The Austin P. Frum Scholarship Fund was created to honor CSDC's former chairman and legal counsel who passed away in 2008. It's the premiere competitive scholarship program that recognizes and supports graduating seniors of public charter high schools who plan to pursue a college or vocational technical education in a recognized or accredited institution of higher learning. The initial scholarships are for $4,500 each.

"The Frum Scholarship Fund is a way to ensure that the best and brightest graduating from public charter high schools in our nation's capital will be able to continue their education at a college or university of their choosing," said CSDC's President and CEO Frank Riggs. "These three students are the first in their families to attend college and represent inspiring examples of the high caliber of graduates from public charter high schools. These scholarships are crucial to the recipients, all of whom face unique financial hardships in affording college."

The Scholarship Fund was created to honor Austin Frum and his steadfast devotion to the mission of the CSDC and charter schools as a vehicle for expanding innovation, accountability, choice and opportunity in public education. Frum was an original member of CSDC's Board of Directors and served CSDC continuously in a leadership capacity since its founding a decade ago. The scholarship fund was created through contributions to CSDC, a charitable organization, in Frum's memory. "Austin's invaluable service to CSDC resulted in thousands of children and families benefiting from having access to a high quality public education and the Scholarship Fund will pay tribute to his legacy and many contributions to CSDC and the charter school movement, "said Riggs.

The three scholarship winners, "Charter Scholars" Tania Johnson-Hester of Washington Mathematics Science Technology Charter School, Jacquelyn Patterson of Thurgood Marshall Academy and Jasmine Ruffin of Friendship Collegiate Academy will be recognized and receive their scholarship awards at the 2009 National Charter Schools Conference in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at 9:28 am in Ballroom A.

CSDC supports the establishment and expansion of high quality charter schools by assisting those schools with their facility financing and development needs. Any individual or organization interested in donating to the Austin P. Frum "Charter Scholars" Scholarship Fund can click here for more information.

Following are biographies of the students.

2009 Charter Scholars

Tania Johnson-Hester attends the Washington Mathematics Science Technology Charter School. Ms. Johnson-Hester is a member of the National Honor Society and has worked with her school's Student Conversation Association restoring Ft. Dupont Park as well as serving as a volunteer in her local library. Johnson-Hester will be attending the University of Pittsburgh with the goal of becoming an astrophysicist. Her hobbies include reading, dancing and debate.

Jacquelyn Patterson attends the Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School. Ms. Patterson is a three year Honor Roll awardee, a Magna Scholar Scholastic Award winner and traveled to China as part of the China Exchange Program. Patterson also interned on Capitol Hill and with the DC Superior Court. Patterson will be attending Spelman College to pursue law with the strong desire to serve as a judge. Her interests include public speaking and politics.

Jasmine Ruffin attends Friendship Collegiate Academy. Ms. Ruffin is a member of the National Honor Society, has been recognized as an Honor Roll student and has received a Community Service Award from her church. Ruffin has received a DC Achievers Scholarship as well. Ruffin was also nominated as a Global Young Leader which fit well with her desire to lead a business at the global level. Ruffin will be attending Temple University to pursue a degree in International Business.