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Thanks to a program at Virginia Western, some Roanoke City Public School and Salem High School graduates will be able to attend college tuition-free.

Last year, Virginia Western paired up with Salem City schools to create the Community College Access Program (CCAP), which helps students who aren't able to get finacial aid but can't afford to pay tuition at Western. This year, the Roanoke Women's Foundation is sponsoring the program for Roanoke City Public School graduates.

"It is intended to pick up the pieces where financial aid cannot cover a student's needs," said Kay Strickland, the executive director of the Virgnia Western Community College Educational Fund.

The program costs about $400,000 to run, said Strickland. It recieved $100,000 for the Roanoke City program this year.

The program received 144 applications this year from Roanoke City students and 86 from Salem, up from 64 last year. Acceptance letters will be sent out in mid-June, Strickland said. She is not sure exactly how many will be accepted.

Olivia Milburn, a senior at PH, applied to the program and plans to attend Western in the fall. "I like it. It's good for kids who aren't ready to leave home and it will benefit me in many ways," said Milburn plans to transfer after two years to a good nursing school. The CCAP scholarship will only cover up to two years or 72 credit hours, according to the Web sit. Patrick Henry senior La'kena Young will also attend Western in the fall. "I can get my basic classes over with and transfer to another school," she said. The deadline for the CCAP was April 30, so it's too late to apply for the 2009-2010 school year. However, Strickland said the program will also be available next year and as long as funds are available.