Caroline and James Sposto wanted to create an award that would make a difference.

When they began to research, they were surprised to learn nearly one quarter of all college freshmen in America end up dropping out their first year.

Three of the top reasons cited were:

• Being low on funds
• Choosing the wrong major
• Not knowing what to expect.

Rather than simply putting their money into a trust, they decided to create something that could help with retention.

So they created the Spring Semester 2008 Sposto Interactive Award.

It was made available to undeclared students

These awards were granted to two Kutztown University freshmen and were sufficient to pay for one semester of in-State tuition. The awards are for the Spring 2008 academic semesters.

Candidates submitted essays that were reviewed by a panel from Sposto Interactive and a panel from Kutztown University. Finalists were interviewed in person a month later by the same panel.

In addition to the Award, the Sposto Interactive team compiled a “Freshmen Survival Booklet “ with first year advice on a vast number of topics that included everything from coping with homesickness and doing your laundry to straight A study strategies.

In order to retain the award, students must maintain good standing with the university in terms of grades, conduct and overall cooperation with the program.

The recipients are: Dru Karaman and Victoria Riccardi