Triple J donates to Million Dollar Scholars program

Tracy Guerrero, Triple J Corporate controller, poses with 2017 Million Dollar Scholars and Gerard van Gils, right, the founder of the program. (Contributed Photo)

On May 26, Triple J donated $1,500 to the Million Dollar Scholars program, a scholarship that helps support high school children cover pre-college expenses such as airline tickets, passport fees, as well as any unforeseen expense while they are at school, including application fees, books, transportation, etc.

This is the second year Triple J is participating as a gold sponsor of the program.

“Kagman High School has created an incredible program that really helps our local scholars succeed at four-year universities. Leaving the island to live and study in a completely new place can be incredibly intimidating. Million Dollar Scholars program works hard to help these kids get their degrees every step of the way, which is an indispensable support system,” said Tracy Guerrero, Triple J corporate controller. “Plus, we feel good about a program that gives 100 percent of money raised to students.”

Million Dollar Scholars is so named after its main goal, to be awarded more than a million dollars in scholarships that will be used to attend college in the mainland United States. This scholarship program is unique in that they group CNMI students together who are attending the same college to lend support, encouragement and community and ensure a positive experience and increase graduation rates.

Jay Jones, senior vice president of Triple J Enterprises Inc., said, “This organization is part of a solution to help bright and talented students on Saipan who are left out of higher educational opportunity succeed and fulfill dreams they couldn’t otherwise fulfill without the support of organizations such as the Million Dollar Scholars of Kagman High School. We look at our donation as an investment in Saipan. Higher education opportunities are the main driver of innovation and success.”

The Million Dollar Scholars program began in 2016, with scholars claiming more than $2 million in scholarships and are all presently studying at universities around the U.S.

Kagman also celebrated six Gates Millennium Scholars, the most per capita of anywhere else in the United States. Students are currently attending, Hollins University, Eastern Oregon University, Dixie State University, Art Institute in Seattle, Central Washington University, San Diego Mesa Community College, University of Guam, and Northern Marianas College, to name a few.

“We want to thank Triple J for once again donating to our scholarship program. Their donation really goes a long way to help these kids succeed at college. It means a lot to have the support of the business community. We all need to work together to keep Saipan competitive by supporting our youth in their educational endeavors. We hope to partner with Triple J for future fundraising events,” said Gerard van Gils, who founded the program.

Last year, Triple J Saipan donated $1,500, bringing their total donation to $3,000. (PR)