The Broad Prize, considered the Nobel Prize of education, honors large urban districts that have made the greatest improvements in student achievement while closing gaps among ethnic groups and high and low-income students. The Broad Foundation, a national education philanthropy based in Los Angeles, awards the prize annually.
"There is no doubt that this scholarship money will have a huge impact on the lives of our students," Superintendent John Folks said. "We are so grateful to the Broad Foundation for their support of public education."
Unlike many traditional scholarships that are awarded only to top-tier students, Broad Prize scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have a demonstrated record of improving their grades over the course of their high school career and have a financial need.
"These students have worked hard and it has paid off - they have improved their grades over the course of high school, and we look forward to their success in college," said Eli Broad, founder of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation.
Broad Prize scholars are eligible for two- or four-year scholarships depending on the type of institution they choose to attend. Scholarship recipients who enroll in four-year institutions receive $10,000 paid out over four years ($2,500 per year). Students who enroll in two-year institutions receive $2,500 scholarships paid out over two years ($1,250 per year). The scholarship selection and disbursement process is managed by Scholarship and Recognition Programs, a unit of Educational Testing Service.
The following NISD seniors were named Broad Scholars:
- Clark High School: Shirnell Brown, James Paul Espinosa-Mazuca, Justin Morales, and Holiday Nombrana
- Health Careers High School: Katrina Gonzales and Miguel Rodriguez
- Holmes High School: Michael Calvillo, Zaudia Rico, and Belinda Sanchez
- Marshall High School: Victoria Arellano
- Stevens High School: Joicelyn Barrientos, Yvette Morales, and Marie Perez
- Warren High School: Nydia Hernandez, Isaac Olivarez, Jacklyn Payumo, and Leslie Vara