With the economy in a tailspin, financial considerations loom larger than ever for graduating high school students who are in the midst of the difficult decision over which school or college to attend. Wayne State University is doing its part to make that decision a little easier for some 1,000 qualified students in the form of an $8,000 scholarship. The amount is up by $2,000 from previous years.

The funds, which are guaranteed and available in increments of $2,000 each year for four years, are offered to invited students who participate in one of four Scholars Days, scheduled for Feb. 7, 8, 14 and 15 on WSU's main campus.

Graduating high school seniors are invited to the annual program based on their academic performance. Parents are encouraged to attend with them. More than 1,200 students have indicated they plan to attend one of the Scholars Day sessions.

The half-day program includes a welcoming session with Provost Nancy Barrett, Irvin D. Reid Honors College Dean Jerry Herron and Dean of Students David Strauss, followed by interviews with WSU representatives in small group settings. Also on the agenda are an academic resource fair, campus tours and lunch in a residence hall. Parents are invited to attend a special program on college life while students are participating in interview sessions.

The Scholars Day program is in its fifth year, and attendance has grown annually as the university has made more scholarships available. "We're very pleased with the interest and enthusiasm shown by students as well as parents," Herron says. "The feedback we receive each year is overwhelmingly positive. Many of our guests comment on how impressed they are with Wayne State's academic offerings, services, programs and facilities as well as our vibrant campus located in the heart of Detroit's Cultural Center."

Scholars Day participants have an opportunity for increased offers, up to and including a four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarship valued at $32,000. The additional offers are based on individual interviews during the small group session as well as a review of high school grade-point average, ACT scores and a written essay. Students also may qualify for privately funded scholarships.

Students who participate in Scholars Day are eligible for invitations to join Wayne State's prestigious Honors College, which offers special class sections and includes service-learning and research components in the undergraduate curriculum. "The honors experience integrates academics, social interaction, personal development and intellectual stimulation to prepare our next generation of scientists, scholars, leaders and professionals," Herron explains.

WSU's Honors College includes more than 1,300 students, many of whom decided to join the program after participating in Scholars Day.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.