The Mahoning Valley College Access Program recently distributed nearly $20,000 worth of scholarships to 14 high school seniors and two first-year college students.

Each year the nonprofit distributes its Last Dollar Scholarships to graduating seniors from Youngstown City Schools and Warren G. Harding High School. Students who receive this scholarship have a chance to win it a second year in a row as first-year college students.

Since 2002, MVCAP has awarded more than 300 students with Last Dollar Scholarships.

“We’re so glad to be able to help lift some of the financial burden of post-secondary education and assist with the success of these students,” Gerri Jenkins, MVCAP executive director, said. “This past year has been especially difficult for these seniors and we’re happy to play a role in helping to make this next transition a little less stressful.”

MVCAP hosts its Progressive Dinner, an annual fundraiser in downtown Warren, to raise funds for these scholarships. The Madigan Fund of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley also provides support for the scholarships.

“The Progressive Dinner fundraiser is always a success because of the wide support we receive from local businesses and the overall community,” Denise Glinatsis Bayer, MVCAP board president, said. “So, we’d like to thank all of our sponsors and others who have supported this event and our organization, because we couldn’t award these scholarships without their generosity.”

These students received the Last Dollar Scholarship:

Ke’Lynn Dean, Chaney graduate; studying at Youngstown State University

Jai-Sonae Moreland, Chaney; Ohio University

Jenna Lewis-Emerson, Chaney; YSU

Javon McKinney, Youngstown Rayen Early College; YSU

Shabet Correa-Rosario, Youngstown Rayen Early College; YSU

Aleishka Rodriguez, Youngstown Rayen Early College; YSU

Aaliyah Smith, Youngstown Rayen Early College; YSU

Maurice Steele, East High School; The Ohio State University

LeQuanna Jones, East High School; University of Akron

Everett Burd, Warren G. Harding; Kent State University

Cullen Faulk, Warren G. Harding; Case Western Reserve University

Shyona Harbin, Warren G. Harding; University of Akron

Jersie Thomas, Warren G. Harding; Miami University of Ohio

These students received the Last Dollar Scholarship for the second year:

Nadia Moore, Warren G. Harding; University of Akron

Johann Williams, Youngstown Rayen Early College; YSU

This student received CFMV’s Madigan Fund Scholarship:

Alexandria Platt, Warren G. Harding; KSU-Trumbull.