Navient Foundation supports college tour for at-risk youth

WILMINGTON, Del., March 26, 2018 -- Navient Foundation, the company-sponsored philanthropic fund, announced a $7,500 grant to support Duffy’s Hope annual cross-country college tour. The nonprofit encourages Delaware’s at-risk youth to learn outside of the classroom.

Delaware students gain insight on life at a college campus as part of Duffy’s Hope college tour. This year, 15 students will participate in the annual spring tour.

“Thanks to Navient’s support, we’ve made a difference in the lives of several students from the city of Wilmington and surrounding areas,” said Allen “Duffy” Samuels, founder and chief executive officer of the nonprofit Duffy’s Hope. “Students will have the opportunity to see colleges and universities in other states. For many of them, this is the first time they’ve left Delaware.”

Born and raised in Wilmington, Samuels graduated from Glasgow High School and attended a junior college in Maryland. Two years later, he continued his higher education with the help of a basketball scholarship. Using his abilities as a top performing basketball player, Samuels joined a professional team in Europe. After touring for six years, he came back to his roots and made a commitment to help Delaware flourish.

“The Duffy’s Hope college tour offers a fun and engaging way for students to explore their options,” said Patricia Nash Christel, vice president, Navient. “We’re proud to support these young people, many of whom will be the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education, on their journey to succeed in college and a future career.”

The annual tour had its beginnings in the spring of 2013. This year, 15 students will participate in the college tour including 13 from Wilmington. The tour will begin on April 2 through April 6. Students will also visit universities in Delaware at the end of April.

Supporting adolescents ages 12-17, Duffy’s Hope uses a holistic approach to determine and rectify root causes in the lives of at-risk youth. Key issues are addressed using a 10-step program, including mentorship, parent and family involvement, experiential learning, financial literacy and etiquette training.

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About Navient
Navient (Nasdaq:NAVI) is a leading provider of asset management and business processing solutions for education, healthcare, and government clients at the federal, state, and local levels. The company helps its clients and millions of Americans achieve financial success through services and support. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Navient employs team members in western New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and other locations. Learn more at navient.com

Contact
Brianna Huff, 302-283-2973, [email protected]

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/be6ad652-0ca9-44bb-984a-9c36e816a429.