Dollars for Scholars
Dollars for Scholars chapters are community-wide, volunteer-operated scholarship foundations affiliated with the Citizen's Scholarship Foundation of America, Inc. (CSFA) A local board of trustees organizes and publicizes its program in the community, then goes on to raise local funds for distribution to local students. CSFA provides nonprofit status, guides, and materials for chapter operations. All funds raised locally are distributed by a local awards committee. Ask your counselor if your community has a Dollars for Scholars chapter. If not, and you'd like to start one, write: Volunteer Services Coordinator, PO Box 297, St. Peter, MN 56082, or call (507) 931-1682.
Here are some sample programs:
City Volunteer Corps ( New York City). Founded in 1984, this was one of the country's first community-based service programs. Around 750 volunteers each year log in countless hours helping the elderly, tutoring children and cleaning up parks. In addition, volunteers who have dropped out of high school are required to complete work for their GED.
Los Angeles Youth Corps. In Los Angeles, volunteers are leading efforts to rebuild burned out buildings, plant community gardens in vacant lots, and restore areas affected by rioting.
City Year (Boston). City Year is frequently mentioned as a model for a national plan. The nearly 500 participants (ages 17-24) meet every morning for calisthenics before they fan out to start their work--cleaning parks, organizing summer camps, leading day trips, etc. Workers earn $100 per week with a $5,000 bonus at the end of 9-months (the money need not be used for college). Workers are docked for missed days. Before the year is over, workers must register to vote, obtain a library card, produce a resume, learn to prepare their taxes, and get their GED (if not already a high school graduate).
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