Area Charities Benefit from Class-Action Settlement

CSP recently received word that Dworken & Bernstein, Co. LPA, has generously donated $221,500 to put towards scholarships for area students.

The gift stems from the law firm’s innovative utilization of the cy pres doctrine, whereby dollars from unclaimed settlements can be donated to area charities. Dworken & Bernstein partner Patrick Perotti notes that class-action lawsuits have received some scrutiny by federal and state lawmakers. When money is directed to charities that don’t expect the windfall, it shows there is a positive aspect to these legal actions. This particular sum comes out of a class-action lawsuit against Grange Mutual Insurance Company.

“This is fantastic news,” said radio personality and CSP Board member Jimmy Malone, who accepted the check on behalf of CSP. “This will help CSP to fund more deserving students. It is also a great testament to CSP because the gift recognizes the positive impact the organization has on the community.”

The money will go towards Jimmy Malone’s scholarship fund, which has sent 76 students to college to date.

                             STEP UP Students Chosen for ASPIRE Program
Five of the six students chosen to partake in Hathaway Brown’s annual Aspire program are CSP STEP UP students. Ronda Kyle, Amber Green, Maiya Gilbert, Nishayla Conner and Shayla Baisden will spend the summer engaged in academic and leadership-building activities.

The Aspire program began in 2002 and is a tuition-free academic and leadership program that connects Hathaway Brown with under-resourced public schools around the city of Cleveland. Aspire targets motivated middle school girls who are limited in opportunity because of low family income and lack of exposure to higher education. Over the course of a three-year commitment in middle school, Aspire girls participate in a variety of leadership-building activities in academic classes and exploratory workshops. During high school, each Aspire graduate is able to take part in programming designed to make college more accessible. Aspire increases a girl’s awareness and investment in her learning, leadership, and choices.

Through this initiative, students are mentored by an enthusiastic group of high school and college students who introduce opportunities for students to improve themselves and their community through education and leadership. The program also gives the high school and college students involved a a chance to advocate for education and creativity in the classroom.

Good News!
CSP is happy to share some very positive trends and achievements in the school districts we serve:

-- Under the astute direction of Dr. Eugene Sanders, CSP has seen significant growth in the number of Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) seniors qualifying for a CSP scholarship. This year, 379 students were recommended by their CSP advisor for funding, 69 more students than last year. It is our goal to fund all eligible CMSD students.

-- St. Martin de Porres High School will graduate its first senior class this year. Remarkably, all 50 graduates have been accepted into at least one college.

-- More than 91% of Elyria seniors will graduate this year, making 2008 the first year that the district will attain the state’s standard for graduation rates. CSP is pleased to have played a part in the improvement that has occurred through its GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) program.

These are very positive signs and a great testament to our partnerships and collaborations in the community. We are proud of our role in making this all happen and, as always, very thankful for your continued support of these initiatives.