Joshua Grant, a graduating Senior in Hephzibah High School's Class of 2018 and a member of Paine College Upward Bound, is 1 of only 106 students nationwide that have been offered the Horatio Alger Scholarship for 2018. This award honors the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have strong academic potential and have succeeded in spite of adversity. 

Chellita Carlyle, the Director of TRiO Upward Bound, stated, "Joshua Grant is very diligent and works hard to ensure that he's on task with his work and all requirements to be successful in all of his endeavors. Joshua exemplifies the Upward Bound standard of "Nothing But Excellence!" Joshua will receive a $25,000 college scholarship to pursue his bachelor's degree; an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference and access to the full range of services the Association has to offer. 

The Horatio Alger Scholarship is named after Horatio Alger, Jr. who was a prolific author in the 19th and early 20th centuries. His books inspired readers to work hard and persevere through adversity. Alger's books - 128 in all - recount how a "can-do spirit" and individual initiative can allow anyone to achieve their dreams, regardless of circumstances. Since 1984, Horatio Alger Association Members and Friends have been funding need-based college scholarships to support deserving young people overcome their adversity and pursue their dreams through higher education. So far the Association has awarded more than $125 million to approximately 20,000 students.