Ankeny Residents and DMACC to Benefit from New Prairie Trail Development
Posted 10/01/07

Dennis Albaugh establishes a new, first-of-its-kind scholarship program

Dennis Albaugh, President of D.R.A. Properties, L.C., developer of the Prairie Trail, and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Foundation Board Chairman, is establishing a new, unique scholarship program that will provide funds for
Ankeny-area students who pursue a higher education.

“One of DMACC’s most prominent graduates is establishing a legacy of success for young people in this community,” said Rob Denson, President of DMACC. “While the scholarship program targets Ankeny-area students, all of Central Iowa will benefit from a more highly skilled work force that will result from this program.”

Through the Prairie Trail Scholarship initiative, applicants will be eligible for a maximum lifetime award of $10,000. Students who live within the new Prairie Trail Community, now under development just northwest of DMACC’s Ankeny Campus, will receive first priority for the scholarship funds, although any Ankeny area students who wish to attend an Iowa-based college or university will be eligible to apply. For further details, go to www.prairietrailankeny.com.

To support education in the Ankeny School District, the fund also will offer mini-grants to Ankeny Community School District teachers. The mini-grants will be funded up to $2,500, and will support initiatives that support enhanced student academic performance or unique programming in the district.

“Education is an important part of every person’s life,” said Albaugh, a 1970 DMACC graduate. “I received my higher education degree on DMACC’s Ankeny campus. I am a firm believer in providing support for the students and teachers who live in Ankeny. The Prairie Trail Scholarship Program and mini-grant project is designed to accomplish just that.”

Funding for the scholarship program will come from a one-half of one percent fee on the sale of all property within the Prairie Trail development. Albaugh has committed $100,000 to launch the fund, which will become self-sustaining from property sales in the development.

The DMACC Foundation will manage, invest and allocate the scholarship and mini-grant dollars from the Prairie Trail Fund. The first scholarships and mini-grants will be awarded beginning in 2008.

Prairie Trail is a 1,000-acre planned community located in Ankeny, Iowa. It’s a tapestry of diverse and distinctive homes, tree-lined streets, neighborhood stores, nearby offices, schools, parks and greenbelts. At the center of Prairie Trail will be situated a traditional town square, including a variety of restaurants, retail boutiques and businesses, surrounding a central park and amphitheater. Prairie Trail will afford a variety of complementary housing options designed to create a vibrant, energetic community. All architectural styles are appropriate to the heritage of the Central Iowa region.

For information contact
Dan Ivis, Media Liaison, Media Relations, (515) 965-7029

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