PORTLAND — The nonprofit Maurice Lucas Foundation announced its new college scholarship program at an event Feb. 17 that will provide all of its qualifying student participants as much as $5,000 toward their post-high school education. Portland area business leader and philanthropist Howard Hedinger kicked off the scholarship fundraising drive with a $25,000 donation.

“Howard has been one of our strongest supporters since our very beginning in 2011,” said foundation Executive Director David Lucas. “As a result of his generous gift, we are naming our scholarship program in his honor. Of course, we invite others to follow Howard’s lead and join us in supporting this great cause.”

The foundation’s teachers, mentors, tutors and coaches provide after-school education and sports programs to underserved Portland area students though its Maurice Lucas Foundation Academies. The foundation has a long-standing relationship with Irvington Middle School where participating students’ attendance and grades have improved dramatically.

“We help children learn, achieve, grow and build positive values,” Lucas said. “We focus our energies on helping middle school students. This new scholarship program enables us to continue assisting these students as they progress through high school and provide incentive for continuing their education.”

Academy participants will be able to receive up to $1,250 per year for up to four years if they fulfill the scholarship program’s academic and community involvement requirements. The foundation’s first group of eligible students will graduate high school in 2019.

The foundation has set a fundraising goal of $110,000 for the scholarship program. Those interested in supporting it can contact Lucas at (503) 880-4323 or donate to Scholarship Fund online.

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