Connecting Schools With Great Fundraising Ideas.

So far, we have discussed two different approaches to raising money for a high school study abroad experience. First we looked at ways the student could earn money through his or her own efforts. Second, we looked at how a student could reach out to others for donations toward the trip. Today, I’d like to investigate the option of seeking out scholarships or grants.

Before diving into this subject too deeply, I do want to mention that I believe it is wise to first look at what you can contribute yourself through hard work and sacrifice. That gives you “sweat equity” into the process. Once you have done everything you possibly can on your own, then it is reasonable to turn to those who are closet to you for help. It is always easier to ask those who love you and are invested in you already. If you are still short on funds after all of this, but your desire is still burning, then you should look into the more competitive world of scholarships.

Below, I have listed a few options that you can research more thoroughly yourself. I have included links to where I found this information. Not all of the data I found applied to strictly educational experiences. Some of the options involved more service work.

Rotary Scholarships

First, I found some terrific information from Rotary International. There seem to be two programs that offer high school students opportunities to study abroad. These are not free programs, but assistance is available. Also, if you are accepted into one of these programs, it might help with some of your other fundraising attempts in that you will have the endorsement of an internationally known and respected group. This might convince your great aunt Sally that you’re not just going on some kind of wild adventure.

Below, I have taken the description of these programs directly from the website. Click on the links to learn more. There is much more to read at the Rotary International website.

Ambassadorial Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation’s oldest and best-known program, was founded in 1947. Since then, nearly 38,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today it is the world’s largest privately funded international scholarships program. Nearly 800 scholarships were awarded for study in 2005-06. Through grants totaling approximately US$500 million, recipients from about 70 countries studied in more than 70 nations.

Rotary Youth Exchange
As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you’ll spend up to a year living with a few host families and attending school in a different country.

Whether you participate in Rotary’s long-term or short-term Youth Exchange programs, you’ll learn a new way of living, a great deal about yourself, and maybe even a new language. You’ll also be an ambassador, teaching people you meet about your country, culture, and ideas. You can help bring the world closer – and make some good friends in the process.

More than 8,000 young people each year have experiences like these through Rotary Youth Exchange. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

Additionally, you may want to consult other local service organizations, such as the Lions, the Elks, and the Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs, to see if they also have funds available to assist with your plans..

Community Funds
Another good place to look for grants or scholarships is your local community foundation. If you haven’t heard of these organizations, they are set up all over the United States by local geographical region. The purpose of a community foundation is to be a clearing house for local foundation gifts. Many of the awards are education-based.

While I can not promise that there will be a suitable scholarship in your hometown, there is a Community Foundation locator map you can check out here. If you don’t find the information you are looking for on their website, call the local contact number to speak to the director. He or she will be able to give you a good idea of what may be available for study abroad programs for high-schoolers.

Habitat for Humanity

While Habitat for Humanity is not an academic-based program, it would definitely be an experience of a life time. Habitat has programs set up all over the world. A quick trip to their website will provide an overview of what’s available for different age groups.

They also provide several links to philanthropic foundations that have a history of making awards for high schoolers looking for a foreign adventure.

Here’s a blurb from their site:

Make a Difference Globally- The Global Village Youth Program
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to make a difference and be changed in the process. The world is waiting for you and your group! The Global Village Youth Program (GVYP) gives groups of youth ages 14 to 25 opportunities to build throughout the world with Habitat for Humanity. Team members work alongside homeowners and local volunteers helping families achieve their dream of a simple, decent place to live.

For more information regarding the Youth Program click here.

For scholarship information, click here.

AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships

The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) is one of the largest organizers of study abroad programs for high schoolers and college students in the United States. I spoke to Kelly Quigley, who is the assistant director of admissions for the Summer Advantage high school program, and she told me about the ways some students go about getting money for the program.

First of all, AIFS offers their own in-house scholarships. The awards are $750 each, but only ten are awarded per year. Roughly 50 to 60 people apply for these ten awards, so it is a competitive situation. The price for a month long summer study abroad trip can reach upwards of $7,000, so even with the grant, there is still a long way to go.

Kelly did tell me about a website they recommend that students investigate when seeking more financial aid: Fast Web.  Students must first create a personal profile and account, but then it will provide the applicant with specifically tailored information about which foundations would be a good match.

Again, please note that scholarships are competitive. It’s terrific to go after these, and I encourage the practice. However, if a student has a true desire to study abroad, I would suggest planning at least two years ahead, so that he or she can earn and save as much as possible. Again, it is better to cover the majority of the cost without having to rely on scholarships, which aren’t guaranteed.

Next installment: Parting Thoughts

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