The goal of Project Potential is to encourage more students to reach their full potential by conducting themselves responsibly during their high school years, continuing their education beyond high school, and preparing for a world of work and living.

A scholarship committee selects students from nominated eighth graders each spring. The criteria for selecting recipients focuses on need, achievement, and the potential for being at-risk of not reaching their goals due to a family situation, peer pressure, or circumstances beyond the student's control.

Project Potential graduates recieve scholarships to attend Davidson County Community College or an accredited college or university of their choice. Awards amounts are determined annually based on community college expenses and funds available.

Project Potential means hope for a future that may not be realized without the support from caring individuals who want to be the spark a child needs to achieve his or her best.

Plans for Project Potential began in 1994. The first scholarships were awarded in 1996 in the Lexington City School System. Soon after, the program was expanded to include all the Davidson County high schools. Since 1998 programs have begun in Avery and Pitt Counties, Hickory, and Conway, S.C.

Project Potential is designed to provide students with encouragement, financial assistance, and adult role models as they work through the challenges of being a productive and successful teenager. As Project Potential recipients, students are surrounded by the promise of realizing their dream of a continuing education.

Working together, caring members of the community can support and guide a young student from eighth grade through high school to become an outstanding graduate of our Lexington City Senior High and a contributing member of society. Since its beginning, Project Potential has awarded more than 400 scholarships.