Duncan Scholars continues program expansion now reaching 161 students across four cohorts. This year, the program welcomed 61 new high school Seniors, while growing the number of students served at the college level to 100 students. College level students attend either MCC, Baylor, Tarleton State or Texas Tech at the University Center.
The Class of 2023 achieved an 81% first-year retention rate and 88% second-year retention, far above the state average of 62%. The Class of 2024 entered with a 90% retention rate, underscoring the impact of pairing scholarships with mentoring, workshops, and community support.
Last year, staff held 416 one-on-one meetings, hosted 12 group sessions and coordinated 370 hours of student community service. Scholars also received more than $57,000 in grants and $13,000 in emergency funding to help them stay on track.
As Duncan Scholars approaches the milestone of the first class of bachelor’s degree graduates, the program stands as a transformative investment in Waco’s students and future leaders. With growth on the horizon, staff remain committed to sustainability while deepening the personalized support that has already proven to be impactful.