News and Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Victoria Walton

March 25, 2020 513-391-6814
Email: vwalton@elon.edu

First Program For Virginia High School Dropouts To Get Their Diploma
Created By Olympia University

Olympia University gives individuals who have not completed high school the opportunity to
obtain their diploma and to begin working towards their college degree.

Beginning in August 2020, Olympia University in Mountaintop, VA will offer the first program
of its kind to state residents who were unable to obtain their high school diploma. The program
aims to give dropouts the opportunity to complete their high school degree and then continue
their education by finishing four semesters of college work over six years.

The program is proud of its affordable pricing for all Virginians. Completing the credits
necessary to graduate from high school will cost no more than $2,000. Students who obtain their
diplomas will be eligible to take college courses at Olympia, and their tuition will be capped at
$2,000 per four-credit course. Olympia has pledged to provide financial support for eligible
students as well as aid students in applying for federal and state assistance and low cost loans.
The annual cost of attendance at Olympia for tuition, room and board is $24,000.

The program is the brainchild of Olympia’s president, Dr. Foster L. Fogbottom. When he
realized the high percentage of high school dropouts in Virginia, Fogbottom decided that he
wanted to offer an opportunity to those students to complete high school and attend college.

“We believe a university has an obligation to its wider community and not just to those who
teach, work, or study on campus,” said Fogbottom. “In this part of our state, we have an acute
problem that can be addressed by reach out to those who need help. We believe that within 10
years, this program can become a national model for other programs in economically depressed
areas.”

Olympia’s program includes courses in English, American history, mathematics and general
science. If students want to begin taking introductory college courses, they must attain at least a
B average in their high school courses. Each student will have to provide for their own room and
board, however since most students are from the Mountaintop area, commuting is easy and
recommended as a cost savings.