Viking Advantage

 For more than seven years, Beyond Housing’s Viking Advantage program has been supporting students of Normandy Schools Collaborative to get them on the path to success for post-secondary education.

     One of the critical ways Viking Advantage provides support to students is by assisting with a savings plan for college. Viking Advantage sets students up with an Individual Development Account where each dollar the student deposits, is matched three to one. Students can deposit a maximum of $500 which will then be matched with $1,500. This funding can then be used for post-secondary education.

     “It helps students pay for tuition and books or any extra additional expenses that might come along with college,” said Anthony Simms, Normandy High School alumnus and current University of Missouri-St. Louis student. 

     To date, Viking Advantage has helped approximately 300 Normandy students with saving for a post-secondary education. Students who participate in Viking Advantage also receive extra ACT prep support, assistance with college financial aid applications, entrance exam fees and mentorship.

     “Viking Advantage entails not only saving up for college, but it also gives you lifelong mentors to help you along the way,” said Andrea Cain, Normandy High School alumna and current University of Missouri-St. Louis student. “People to talk to, and guide you through college who have also been through that experience so you are not alone.”