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By Lois Thomson 

Rameek Flowers, Milton Hershey School Regional Recruiter for Southwest Pennsylvania.

A group of students gathered during the Spring semester at Milton Hershey School.

"Milton and Catherine Hershey wanted to help as many kids as they could," said Rameek Flowers, and that's why they founded the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pa.  Flowers is the school's regional recruiter for Southwest Pennsylvania, and he recently spoke to a ‘Communities That Care’ meeting in Monessen to explain the advantages for children who attend.

Created in 1909, the school's original intent was to be both a home and school for orphaned boys.  It has since grown to a campus of approximately 2,000 students, currently from 37 states, that provides cost-free education to those who qualify.  Flowers said all costs are covered:  from housing and education, to vision and dental, and even clothing and haircuts.  The students stay with other students in homes on the school's campus, under the supervision of house parents, who Flowers said, "do a wonderful job."

During their schooling, the students are primed for post-graduation – either college or moving on into a career. Flowers said they can earn college credits, and can accrue money for college or continuing education.  The academic focus is on STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics), as well as career training in such areas as agriculture, journalism, culinary arts, education, construction, law and public safety, and business and finance.

To qualify for entrance, applicants – who must be U.S. citizens – are screened by five criteria:  they must be between the ages of 4 and 15, must come from a lower-income family, have the ability to learn, be free of any serious behavioral issues, and be able to benefit from the school.

Flowers said for students to be considered, they must submit the appropriate forms and documents, and if they qualify, they will be invited to the campus.  "They will come in with a parent or legal guardian for an interview and to have a medical screening, and if all goes well, they will get consideration."  The application will be reviewed and either accepted or denied.  Flowers said the process could take four to six months.  

In meeting with Communities That Care, Flowers said, "My role as regional recruiter is to spread awareness of the school, and we need to connect with both professionals and families.  I wanted to speak with them because they help families and youth, and we have a similar mission."  Flowers concluded, "Milton and Catherine Hershey did a great job.  The school is a great opportunity for the right families; it can be life-changing."

For more information, contact Rameek Flowers at 412-758-9565 or flowersr@mhs-pa.org.

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