BET WANTS BLACK KIDS THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE

Network launches initiatives to introduce funding sources.


The Sallie Mae Fund and BET Networks are collaborating on two new initiatives to generate awareness of scholarships and other college-funding resources among African-American students.

"On average, college graduates earn $1 million more than high school graduates in the course of a lifetime," said BET CEO Debra Lee. "Increased awareness is the key to helping more African Americans realize their dream of going to college and, in turn, access that greater earning power."

On Tuesday, BET launched the "Next Level" scholarship competition, which will award $25,000 in Sallie Mae Fund scholarships to deserving students. Applications will be accepted on BET's Web site through Dec. 21. Winners will be announced in February.

In addition, a new directory will provide African-American students and their families with easier access to hundreds of college scholarships and millions in scholarship dollars. Sponsored by The Sallie Mae Fund and BET and produced by the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education, "Black College Dollars," available at www.blackcollegedollars.org, offers a free, comprehensive listing of more than 300 scholarships designed for African-American students.


For more information about the "Next Level" scholarship competition, visit www.BET.com/nextlevelscholar.