Lincoln South Rotary has a long tradition of providing scholarships to High School Seniors who are going to attend four-year colleges. The selection method has changed during that time, but the importance of this program to the Club has not changed.
In the past two years the scholarship committee has expressed concern about the effectiveness of our scholarships. Since we do not have the means or inclination to determine the financial needs of students, there has been concern regarding if our scholarships go to the students with the greatest need. With the rising costs of higher education the scholarship committee is also concerned as to the impact or helpfulness that a scholarship of $1,000 or $2,000 has on the student’s overall cost.
During this same period, the expenses of the Club have increased. In the past two years the dues and meeting fees have been increased. This did help by keeping the Club from having to dip deeply into reserves.
The Board decided early last year that there would not be a scholarship awarded in the 2022-23 Rotary year. When President Matt took over, he really wanted to find a way to still have at least one scholarship this year. Based on the great shortage of healthcare workers both locally and nationally, the Board decided to award one scholarship to a healthcare student for this one year. In addition, the Board decided to work with Bryan Health to find a student with financial need.
The Board felt that this scholarship should come from a fundraising campaign so that it did not have a negative impact on this year’s budget. The scholarship amount decided by the Board was any dollars raised up to $5,000. After further discussion it was decided to try and raise not only monies for this year but also monies for future scholarships. So, the goal was set at $12,000, having $5,000 to use this year and an additional $7,000 placed in a fund for use in the future.
This year’s scholarship is only for this one year. A committee is being formed by President Matt to develop a long term scholarship plan that would be used in future years.
To be successful, every member needs to give what they can in support of this effort. If you desire to be a part of the project, you can simply email Chan Tyrrell at chantyrrell2@gmail.com and tell him the amount you would like to contribute. Remember, every dollar counts and gifts of every size are appreciated. We would like to have all dollars collected by 2/28/23.
To donate online, click here and select the Scholarship Donation campaign.
You can also contact Chan (chantyrrell2@gmail.com) with questions or comments.
Thank you those who have already pledged and thank you to all who are yet to make their gift or pledge to the campaign.