From Access to Persistence and Completion

Wyman and the Arenberg Family partner to support the goal of earning a degree.

 

Life and leadership skills and educational success are at the core of Wyman’s commitment to the young people we serve. Historically, Wyman has worked with young people from middle school through their second year in post-secondary education. In 2019, in partnership with the Arenberg Family, we are expanding services to support young people throughout their post-secondary experience, reflecting our shared commitment to degree completion.

The expanded services will impact over 250 students who will be in higher education programs this year. The investment from the Arenberg Family is in memory of Ann and Paul Arenberg, and honors their lifelong commitment to educational opportunity for young people in our community.

“Our parents were committed to giving all young people the opportunity for higher education. We know they would be as enthusiastic as we are about Wyman’s efforts to support these students,” says son, Steven Arenberg.

The impact of challenging economic circumstances on educational attainment for youth is well documented. Post-secondary degree attainment can help break cycles of poverty and allow individuals to achieve their educational and career aspirations. Collaborative community and higher ed partnerships focused on post-secondary access and success help ensure students have sufficient resources to attain their educational goals and are critical to Wyman’s approach with students.

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis is one of Wyman’s valued community partners. The Scholarship Foundation team brings deep student advising expertise in financial aid, interest-free loans and scholarships for qualifying students, and opportunities for students to join and lead in advocacy efforts around higher ed access and affordability.

Its Executive Director, Faith Sandler, reflects on the Arenbergs’ involvement with the
organization: “During their lifetimes, Ann and Paul Arenberg were board members and active volunteers in the direct student services of The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis. Ann read applications and met with students at orientation and graduation. She was deeply touched by learning of the obstacles that students overcame to seek higher education. Paul joined the board after Ann passed away, pioneering several innovative programs that leveraged community partnerships. He was determined to raise
awareness and connect young people to the work of the Foundation. It is especially fitting that the Arenberg Family is honoring the memory of Ann and Paul by making this commitment to our great partner, Wyman.”

The gift from the Arenberg Family will support Wyman’s post-secondary students with 1-on-1 and group coaching and will provide experiential opportunities focused on successful transition into post-secondary pursuits and degree persistence — including managing increased young adult responsibilities, financial skills, career exploration, and successfully navigating and accessing resources at higher ed institutions.

One of the best ways we can honor our parents is to support the causes that meant so much to them,” shares Steven.