SAN FRANCISCO, CA – On June 7, the 17th Annual Meritus College Fund awards were presented to 50 high school graduates for their pursuit of higher education. Zephyr Real Estate sponsored the awards ceremony, and agents from Zephyr provided a scholarship valued at $14,000 to Joshua Consul, one of those graduates. Joshua graduated from International Studies Academy and will attend San Francisco State University.
“It’s because of my parents’ limited education that I am motivated to graduate from college and make my parents proud,” Joshua said. “I also believe it is important for me to attend college to spark a difference in my community. I want to expand my knowledge in the arts and use what I learn to help better my community.”
Meritus College Fund, established in 1996, empowers low-income youth in the community who possess grit and ambition to complete a college degree and prepare for post-college success. Many of these students are the first in their families to attend college. All have succeeded in high school, earning grade point averages between 3.0 and 3.7, and all are now college-bound.
The Meritus College Fund plan provides more than a scholarship; it also includes coaches who assist in making college choices and exploring many educational opportunities. Then there are Meritus “buddies,” older scholars who help incoming freshmen learn and understand their college campuses. Career mentors offer insights into pathways beyond college. Various employers make summer opportunities available to provide exposure to careers. Meritus boasts an 87 percent success rate – far exceeding the 23 percent graduation average for low-income, first-generation youth, nationally.
“We are pleased to extend a special thank you to Zephyr Real Estate for again helping to make this celebration possible. Since 2002, President and Founder Bill Drypolcher and the agents of Zephyr have made an annual commitment to a student and have long supported this event,” stated Diana Wolf, Executive Director of the Meritus College Fund. “Our gratitude for their belief in our mission cannot be adequately expressed.
Drypolcher commented, “What a gratifying experience to work with Meritus and see so many young adults eager and ready to take the next step in their pursuit of higher learning. Joshua is an amazing young man, and we wish him much success as this new chapter begins for him.” Drypolcher also serves on the Advisory Council for Meritus.
About Zephyr Real Estate
Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with $1.5 billion in annual gross sales in 2012 and a current roster of more than 200 full-time agents. In 2010, Zephyr launched its new website, which has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; and the local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six strategically located offices in San Francisco, a business center in Marin County, and serves a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit http://www.zephyrsf.com.