Our Bureau
Fairfield, OH
Rojita Rai, a senior from Fairfield High School, recently received a full four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania through the QuestBridge National College Match program. She is the first student from Fairfield school in last 12 years to qualify for a full scholarship from Ivy League college.
Rojita and 2,626 other students from across the U.S. and its territories were selected as Match Scholarship Recipients. According to QuestBridge, this is the highest number of recipients to date. The honorees have an average unweighted GPA of 3.94 and 92% are in the top 10% of their graduating class. The majority of this year’s Match Scholarship Recipients – 83% – are among the first generation in their families to attend a four-year college in the U.S.
Rojita was delighted to hear this and said, “Growing up, I created high aspirations for myself, unsure if I was even going to accomplish it.” She added further, “I just hoped that I would be able to achieve my dream career without being a financial burden to my family. After four long years of endless endeavors, I was blessed to receive this scholarship to a prestigious institution. QuestBridge helped me get one step closer to my goal; one that would have remained in my imagination, otherwise.”
“It’s a huge achievement, especially to get matched with an Ivy League (college),” said Amanda Schur, Rojita’s school counselor.
The Match Scholarship includes a financial aid package provided by the college partner that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses. The Match Scholarship does not include loans or a parental contribution. Its purpose is to show students and their families that an education at a top college is possible.
Ana Rowena Mallari, Co-Founder and CEO of QuestBridge, said the students’ hard work is paying off. “These scholars will contribute a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences to our college partners, enhancing the vibrancy of their campus communities,” she said.
