EAST LANSING, Mich. – Over the past week, “ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” has been working around the clock to build a new home for Arlene Nickless and her three sons, Aaron, 11, Noah, 9, and Andrew, 7 – who now have the opportunity to become future Spartans, thanks to an educational partnership between Michigan State University and Lansing Community College.
The MSU Tuition Promise Grant will fund the full cost of tuition and fees for two years of baccalaureate study at MSU. LCC has awarded separate scholarships to the boys for their first two years. To be eligible for the grant, each of the Nickless boys must successfully complete two years of study at LCC and then meet regular MSU admission standards. The grant must be redeemed by each child within six years of his high school graduation.
MSU’s Office of Financial Aid estimated the grant’s value based upon the expected year of redemption, factoring in a 4 percent inflation rate, at approximately $107,568.
“Like ‘Extreme Makeover,’ we, too, have a commitment to investing in families and in the future,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. “It is as heartening to us as I’m sure it is to these boys that they can approach the years ahead as aspiring Spartans. During the past week, the Nickless family has joined the MSU family in so many ways. I am pleased the relationships forged will continue.”
On Oct. 4, MSU Provost Kim Wilcox will present each child a certificate, signed by him and Simon, at a 10 a.m. news conference at the Nickless’ new 3,300-square-foot home at 2376 Eifert Road in Holt.
Once the boys enroll at LCC, MSU representatives will monitor their academic progress to ensure they meet MSU’s enrollment guidelines. Should any of the Nickless boys decide to enter MSU without first attending LCC, he could apply for financial aid to cover costs not provided by the grant’s two years.
MSU has never awarded tuition waivers to such young children. As a result, both LCC and MSU have systems in place to ensure the children will be able to redeem the certificates.
“When the kids are ready to join MSU, we’ll be ready for them,” said Rick Shipman, director of MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (noncompetitive), is entering its 6th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Anthony Dominici is the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.
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