Project Potential
Save the Date
Project Potential's "The Great Escape" Fundraising Auction
Escape the Ordinary and Make a Difference with Project Potential
Auction will be live from:
Saturday, May 4th at 9:00 am - Sunday, May 19th at 7:00 pm
Register to Bid Ahead of Time at https://new.biddingowl.com/Auction
About Us
In 1996, amidst the shifting landscape of Lexington, North Carolina, Jim Simeon the former superintendent of the Lexington City School System, and Tim Timberlake, a local business owner, took a bold step to address the growing sense of uncertainty facing our community. As jobs in the furniture industry began to dwindle, leaving many feeling anxious about the future, Mr. Simeon and Mr. Timberlake saw an opportunity to make a difference. Together, they founded Project Potential, a beacon of hope aimed at expanding educational and career opportunities for low-income students at Lexington Senior High School.
For twenty-eight years, Project Potential has been a lifeline for our students and families, providing much-needed support and scholarships to navigate the challenges of pursuing postsecondary education and new career paths. In a community where over ninety percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunch and one in four residents struggle with poverty, our mission is more vital than ever.
Our commitment to breaking the cycle of economic disadvantage is unwavering. We provide each participant with a comprehensive level of support, ensuring their success not only in high school but also in postsecondary education and beyond. Through last dollar scholarships, we empower our graduates to enroll in 2 – and 4 - year colleges and universities, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, or professional certificate programs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
As Lexington strives to overcome the challenges of the past, there is a renewed hope in our community. North Carolina’s economy is growing, and job opportunities are on the rise. With new companies choosing to establish operations in Lexington and Davidson County, the future is promising. However, we recognize the importance of ensuring that our participants are prepared to seize these opportunities.
We are excited about the economic growth in our community and are committed to ensuring that our participants are ready to enter the workforce with the skills and qualifications needed to secure jobs that offer living wages and economic mobility. By providing employers throughout our community with access to a skilled and prepared workforce, we are not only shaping the future of our students but also contributing to the long-term prosperity of Lexington.
Together we can continue to provide hope and opportunity to the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers in our community. With your support, we can ensure that every student has the chance to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Thank you for believing in the power of education to transform lives and communities.
Together we can make a difference!
Student Updates
At the start of the pandemic, Project Potential’s most recent graduates (Class of 2023) were in their first year of high school. They were just finishing their third grading period when the Lexington City School System suddenly closed all buildings and transitioned to online learning. In the blink of an eye, school at our students knew it was turned upside down and they were left to adjust as best they could.
Nationwide, low-income schools like ours encountered numerous challenges with online education. Many families in Lexington did not have access to the internet or laptops their children needed for virtual school. In addition, significant numbers of parents were considered “essential workers: during the pandemic and were unable to ber present with their children during school hours. This required older students like ours to take responsibility for the education of their younger siblings as well as their own. Parents working outside the home were also much more likely to be exposed to the coronavirus, putting themselves and their family members, and even the death of loved ones.
Despite facing unprecedented challenges, our students have continued to find ways to overcome obstacles. Throughout high school, students in the Class of 2023 have worked closely with Chevon Burton, our Program Director to secure $2,933,123 in outside scholarships, financial aid, and grants to continue their education. Ten of our participants graduated from Lexington Senior High School with professional certificates from Davie Davidson Community College and two graduated with associate degrees.
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Services
Tutoring – Project Potential provides tutoring to help our students navigate college preparatory courses in high school and better prepare themselves for post-secondary education. We also provide tutoring to address gaps in education, which has been especially important in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Study Skills Instruction – Throughout high school, Project Potential provides students with programs to help them develop the effective study skills (and habits) they will need to succeed in high school and in post-secondary education.
Test Prep – Project Potential provides programs that prepare students for college entrance exams (ACT & SAT).
Case Management – Throughout high school Project Potential provides students and their families with case management services to address issues related to food insecurity, homelessness, mental health challenges, medical conditions and more.
Mentoring – During their senior year, Project Potential students receive mentoring from a college educated adult who can help them navigate the college application process and the enrollment process.
Personal Growth Opportunities – Project Potential provides programs that help students explore and prepare for future career opportunities.
College Visits – Throughout high school we expose students to a wide variety of college campuses throughout North Carolina to help them determine what type of post-secondary education is best for them. This includes visits to public and private colleges and universities, small and large campuses, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, community colleges and trade schools.
College Application Support – Students receive assistance with and the submission of college applications.
Scholarship Assistance – Project Potential helps students identify and apply for scholarships and grants that will help reduce the cost of tuition and future debt.
Essay Writing Support – Project Potential provides essay writing workshops and individual support to ensure students submit high quality college and scholarship applications.
Financial Aid (FAFSA) Support – Project Potential helps students (and their families) complete financial aid applications and navigate financial aid award packages.
Dorm Room Supplies – Project Potential helps students and their families with dorm room supplies.
Project Potential Scholarships
Since Project Potential’s inception in 1996, we have awarded more than 750 scholarships. Each student selected for Project Potential is promised a last dollar scholarship that can be used for expenses not covered by financial aid (enrollment deposits, housing deposits, and books). At an accredited college or university. All Project Potential Scholarships have been fully funded by individual and group donations.
Project Potential’s student support programs are funded by donations, grants, in-kind contributions from the Lexington City Schools System and the United Way of Davidson County.
100% of Project Potential students graduate from high school.
100% of Project Potential students are accepted to a 2- and 4- year college or university, trade school, or apprenticeship program.
Giving Opportunities
Doctorate Level - $10,000
Provides scholarships for two LSHS students & all services to help students gain access to postsecondary education
Recognition as a Doctorate Level Sponsor at all Project Potential events and on our website
Mater’s Level - $5,000
Provides a scholarship for one LSHS student & all services to help students gain access to post-secondary education
Recognition as a Master's Level Sponsor at all Project Potential events and on our website
Bachelor’s Level - $3,500
Provides a scholarship for one LSHS student
Recognition as a Bachelor’s Level Sponsor at all Project Potential events and on our website
Community Partner - $500 - $2,000
Provides services to provide students with services to help them gain access to post-secondary education
Recognition as a Community Partner Sponsor at all Project Potential events and on our website
General Donation to Support our Programs -
All donations are used to support programs that help low-income students gain access to post-secondary education
Donations
Donations can be mailed to:
Project Potential
PO Box 1823
Lexington, NC 27293
Donations can be made online using button below.
All Donations are Tax Deductible
Donations of securities can be made through the Foundation for the Carolinas
For more information contact: Deborah Banks, Finance Specialist at
dbanks@fftc.org or (704) 973-4577
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